New library aims to be community hub

The Village Green side of Greerton Library where a community centre would boost use of the planned new library. Photo / File

Buyers of Lotto tickets and scratchies could help fund construction of a long-awaited community centre in Greerton.

The plan to make Greerton's planned new $3.45 million library even more of a community hub has been announced by Tauranga City Council's libraries' manager Jill Best.

Ms Best is applying to the New Zealand Lottery Grants Board for funds to extend the planned 900sq m library by 150sq m. The extension would revive plans shelved by the council about eight years ago when it decided not to sell Greerton Hall in order to fund a community centre.

Ms Best said the new project was not to the same scale as the 2006 library and community centre plan but it would make the new library more of a community hub.

Waiting until mid-May for a decision from the board has meant delaying the start of construction of the new library on the site of Greerton's existing library. Demolition of the leaky 41-year-old building was originally scheduled for this month, with construction to start in March.

"It will slow things down a little, but it will be worth waiting for ... it's a risk worth taking," she said.

The centre would provide facilities that were requested by Tauranga residents when the council consulted on the plan for a new library, but which were largely dropped from the design of the 900sq m library.

Ms Best said if the board approved the application it meant all 900m of the building already approved by the council would be library space - doubling the size of the existing library. Adding 150sq m would take a little more of the Village Green than allowed by the current plan for the new library.

About two-thirds of the books will be shifted into a temporary library next to Greer's Gastro Bar during construction. The temporary library will occupy the office portion of the building fronted by an empty shop.

The contract has not been let to build the new library which will be funded by development contributions ($2 million), depreciation funds ($500,000) and property sales ($950,000), including the property neighbouring the library leased to Plunket.

The council has not allowed any increase in libraries' operating funds for the larger Greerton Library.

Proposed extension to Greerton Library
*Community meeting room for up to 50 people
*Improved learning centre
*Better space for teenagers
*Art and craft exhibition area

What do you think?
Have your say below or email editor@bayofplentytimes.co.nz, go to our facebook page, text 021 241 4568 BOP (message) or write to Private Bag 12002.
Response may be published.