Waiheke to get a new library in Oneroa and a new council service centre in Ostend
The Community Development and Equity Committee today decided that Waiheke will get a new stand-alone library in Oneroa and a new council service centre in Ostend.
The decision follows considerable research, investigation and public consultation into redevelopment options for the island's library and service centre.
The committee heard that a library in either Ostend or Oneroa would represent a good outcome for the community, but it felt Oneroa was ultimately the better option.
Chairperson, Councillor Cathy Casey, says the committee carefully examined the pros and cons of both locations for the library.
"This is an important community asset and the responsibility of determining its future location weighed heavily on the committee. It's a decision we took very seriously," Dr Casey says.
"The library is often described as the heart of the community and we felt that because Oneroa serves as the gateway to Waiheke and has an established position as a community hub, it is the best option.
"We know there was strong and divided feeling about the library location, including significant public support for Ostend, but we came to our decision after considering public consultation, cost, urban design issues, regulatory matters, transport implications and potential disruption to services."
In the first round of public consultation, about 63 per cent of respondents were in favour of an Oneroa location for the library, while in the second round of consultation 34 per cent were in favour of Oneroa with 51 per cent in favour of Ostend.
However, Dr Casey says factors that made Oneroa the preferred site for the library include:
the potential for strong links with the Artworks complex
the ability for community groups, including Artworks, to easily use meeting space in the new library
the support of the Waiheke Community Board for this option
strong community support for this option
retaining the library in Oneroa to minimise disruption.
"This is an incredible opportunity for Waiheke to get a new purpose-built and landmark library building that reflects the community's needs and desires, and links well with the Artworks complex," Dr Casey says.
"I hope that now a decision has been made about the location, the community will get behind the project to help create a facility we can all be proud of."
Hauraki Gulf Islands Councillor Faye Storer says she is delighted with the decision.
"After a long and comprehensive debate at both council and community level, it is extremely rewarding for all those involved to have arrived at this decision," she says.
"The siting of the library in Oneroa opens the door for a diverse arts and learning complex at the entrance to the village. The result should be stunning," she says.
The chairperson of the Waiheke Community Board, Ray Ericson, agrees and says he is looking forward to the next stage of the project.
Preliminary designs for the library and the service centre should be complete by mid-2008.
Local involvement into the library design will be provided by a community input group. Applications for this group have been received and the Waiheke Community Board will decide on the group's membership in November.