"The public interest in this project has been incredible. The Katikati community is so supportive of the new library and community hub so we wanted to give people a chance to see where things are at.
"The architect has developed a vision for the library and the community hub based on the Town Centre Plan concepts, site connectivity, and the heritage and culture of Katikati.
"Anyone interested in hearing about the process we're going through and how the architect plans to incorporate the essence of Katikati into this building should come along."
Feedback sessions and other community engagement exercises will be rolled out as the project progresses.
"We want to make sure the community is involved in this process and can have their say, so we can make the Library and Community Hub the best new building in the country and a place we can all be proud of. This meeting is the first step," Ms Whitton said.
Project architect Graham Price, of First Principles Architects, said he was excited about helping create a place everyone in Katikati would enjoy and be proud of for many years to come.
"This is a project that is embodied in the hearts of the community and will make a real difference to the town centre, creating a true destination and meeting place for local residents and visitors."
A Community Reference Group has also been created for the project. The group has an advisory role and is made up a cross-section of the Katikati community and will represent the community and work with Council throughout the project.
Members include representatives from the Katikati Community Board, Katikati Resource Centre, the Western Bay Ratepayers Association, Katch Katikati and Katikati Open Air Art.
A detailed design of the building is expected to be complete later in 2016. Once this is approved by the council the project will go out for tender. Construction may begin by the end of the year and is expected to take about eight months.
Keep up to date with this project at www.westernbay.govt.nz/katikati-library.
