10 | Hutt City Council: Moerā Neighbourhood Hub T T Virginia Wright Fresh new community space for Lower Hutt T T to page 12 “Libraries used to be quiet places where you would go to choose your book..... Whereas they have become much more about community gathering places.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Nine months after Lower Hutt’s Moerā Library closed for the last time after 40 years of service, the doors of its modern, purpose-built replacement, Moerā Neighbourhood Hub, opened for business. The result of some clear thinking, collaboration and an eye to the future, the hub was developed in close consultation with the community, for whom it’s expected to meet the needs for generations to come. The library’s transition to neighbourhood hub reflects a change that is happening with libraries all over New Zealand, whereby the traditional services of a library remain, alongside a variety of other services and use of space, which cater to the way they are used by communities. “The change has been happening for decades,” says Joann Ransom, head of Lower Hutt’s Neighbourhood Hubs and Library Services. “For instance, libraries used to be quiet places where you would go to choose your book. You might read the book, or you might study, and then you go home. Whereas they have become much more about community gathering places. “A survey I did a few years ago showed only three out of 10 people went to the library to get a book, the rest were there for all the other things, including just being in a nice space with others; free of charge, with a comfortable temperature, comfortable furniture and welcoming staff,” says Joann. The newly opened Moerā Neighbourhood Hub resulted from its predecessor’s urgent need to be made watertight and brought up to code. The extensive repairs and refurbishing of the 1980s’ building was going to cost $1.4 million. It was a product of its age, with an awkward shape lined with books and offering a couple of public computers, but unable to offer much in the way of comfortable, multi-purpose space, which was the number-one priority of the community when canvassed. Your local business providing quality geotechnical engineering testing and reporting services throughout the North Island. Proudly Supporting Hutt City Council At Cohesive, we specialise in delivering high-quality geotechnical and geological solutions that are practical, cost-effective, and tailored to your project needs. From detailed site investigations and slope stability assessments to foundation design and liquefaction analysis, our expert team combines technical excellence with a client-focused approach. We work across residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, providing reliable, compliant, and innovative solutions that help you build with confidence. Contact Us 0210 695 609 | www.cohesivelimited.co.nz maika@cohesivegeo.co.nz | nathan@cohesivegeo.co.nz
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