Thousands of Wellingtonians flocked to the revitalised library, which reopened today after seven years closed for quake strengthening and upgrades. Video / NZ Herald
Thousands have flocked to Wellington’s Civic Square to explore the city’s revamped central library, which today opened its doors for the first time in seven years.
Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, meaning “window to the wider world”, has received a $217 million upgrade after closing in 2019 because ofseismic issues.
Wellington Mayor Andrew Little cut the ribbon this morning, saying the reopening represents a turning point for the city.
The library includes a youth space, Capital E children’s area, a maker space – equipped with 3D printers and sewing machines, digital video and recording studios and multiple gallery spaces.
It will also serve as the new home for the City Archives.
Little today said construction inflation was largely responsible for the cost blowout.
Integrating the likes of Capital E, the centre for children’s creativity, into the building also contributed to the extra cost.
Wellingtonians lined up since 8.30am for the 10am reopening, with those in the queue telling the Herald of their excitement for the new facility.
The total cost of the library's design and build was $217.6 million. Photo / WCC
The redevelopment project has been led by the council’s head of creative capital, Gisella Carr, who said the library represents “the essence of Wellington”.
“This has been built for every Wellingtonian from 0 to 100,” Carr told the Herald at the opening today.
She said after years working on the project, she was thrilled to see so many people come to take a look, as lines snaked throughout Civic Square.
Hundreds of people in the capital lined up for the opening of the refreshed Central Library, with thousands expected to visit the building throughout the day.
A Category 1 historic place, the 4000sq m building was originally built in 1991 and designed by architect Ian Athfield.
Athfield Architects co-designed the new fit-out with mana whenua.
The new cashless cafe on the ground floor, named Central Ground, is run by Sam Huy, who previously owned Clark’s Cafe in the old library.
The Civic Square plaza has also reopened, with the library the first key project completed in the area.
Ethan Manera is a Wellington-based journalist covering Wellington issues, local politics and business in the capital. He can be emailed at ethan.manera@nzme.co.nz.
