The extended spell of warm, dry weather has been a boon to
Dunedin construction company Cook Brothers, as work proceeds
apace on the new Blueskin Bay Library and Community Complex.
The $830,000 project, which will double the size of the
previous library and add several community spaces, looks set
to come in on time and on budget, Dunedin Public Libraries
head of customer services Mike Collett says.
Building work began in October and was due for completion in
mid-April, with an official opening of the new,
energy-efficient complex set for early May, Mr Collett said.
The north-facing complex was designed by architect Richard
Murphy, of Architectural Ecology, and incorporated green
building elements.
The cost of the redevelopment is being met jointly by the
Dunedin City Council, which has contributed $500,000, and the
Blueskin Bay Redevelopment Trust, which has been responsible
for raising $330,000.
Grants have come from Lotteries, Otago Community Trust,
Alexander McMillan Trust, AA Jones Trust, and Callis Trust.
The project has also had the ongoing support of the
Waikouaiti Coast Community Board.
Blueskin Bay Redevelopment Trust chairman Stuart Strachan
said the project was proceeding well, with the recent spell
of fine weather making up for some wet weather before
Christmas.
Cook Brothers site foreman Shaun Fahy said a team of up to
eight carpenters had been working at the site, along with
local sub-contractors.
''Everything has gone very smoothly,'' Mr Fahy said.
''The project is looking good, and we will finish up with
much more of a space to browse, relax and read,'' Mr Strachan
said.
Mr Collett said the complex would become a community hub for
the estimated 2500 residents of Blueskin Bay, including the
Waitati, Warrington, and Evansdale communities. Along with
the library, it would have meeting spaces, toilets and other
facilities, as well as internet access.
''It will be a space where people will be able to carry on
lifelong learning,'' he said.
Blueskin Bay librarian Louise Booth said the large and
pleasant space would give library staff the opportunity to do
more work with local school pupils.
The Blueskin Bay Library team had been located at Waitati
School since construction began in mid-October and had
enjoyed a good relationship with the school, she said.
While the redevelopment trust had succeeded in accessing
grants to reach its fundraising target, additional funds
would be needed to cover the cost of landscaping and
improving vehicle access to the site.
The trust also hoped to improve the playground next to the
west side of the complex, Mr Strachan said.
Feedback from the local community had been positive, he said.
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