6 | New library for Waimate – at last The refurbished building includes design features that reflect the Waimate District’s cultural and natural heritage. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Waimate District Council: Library Extension and Council Chambers T T Kim Bowden “We’ve probably quadrupled the window area to bring in more natural light,” Duncan says of the whole building. Thermal heating and retention have improved significantly – probably twofold.” A project decades in the making has finally delivered a modern, future-ready library and council facility for the Waimate District. Waimate District Council chief executive Stuart Duncan says the need to upsize the library had been discussed “in great detail” over successive long-term plans, but the project was continually bumped down the priority list. Its size meant the community couldn’t use it in the ways they were wanting to – school and preschool groups, regular library goers, and even Wolfie the dog and his reading sessions, were all competing for space, Duncan says. “We needed to extend the footprint significantly to accommodate that.” Then, in 2021, nature forced the issue. A flood inundated the front of the council building, triggering an insurance payout. But as repairs began, it became clear that more than flood damage was at play. The whole building was compromised, due to existing structural issues, and that included the library, Duncan says. In particular, the roof structure had become a serious concern. Seventy tonnes of concrete tiles were removed as part of the project. What followed was a comprehensive refurbishment and extension of the council offices, chambers, and public library. The project had a total budget of $1.925 million, with $900,000 coming from central government’s Better Off Funding. “The project was designed, scoped, and completed on time and under budget,” Duncan says – a feat made possible in large part thanks to two local firms.” Hayden Tait Building, based in Waimate, took on the construction, while Timaru’s Rushton Architects were central to the design and planning process. Together, the two companies became the council’s primary point of contact and earned high praise from the chief executive. “They worked together so well,” Duncan says. “Hayden Tait was just a bloody good builder. He had real attention to detail and a willingness to work with the council, which is sometimes not an easy ask.” Despite the scale of the work, council operations continued largely uninterrupted, and Duncan credits Hayden Tait with managing the build in a way that allowed council staff to remain in their offices throughout the process. “I’m hugely appreciative of our staff, too,” he says. “Nobody complained.” To ensure residents still had access to library services during the build, the council operated a pop-up library for seven months at the Waimate Events Centre. Today, the refurbished building includes design features that reflect the Waimate District’s cultural and natural heritage. “The lighting features are inspired by traditional Māori eel traps, and there are local designs on doors and walls,” Duncan says. “The carpet tiles and wall furnishings also give a specific nod to our mountains and braided rivers.” Beyond aesthetics, the facility has been refurbished with the future in mind. Not only does it meet the needs of a modern council and community library, it is also equipped to serve as a civil defence headquarters, should the need arise. Above the council chambers, a new skylight pours daylight into the meeting space. “We’ve probably quadrupled the window area to bring in more natural light,” Duncan says of the whole building. “Thermal heating and retention have improved significantly – probably twofold.” From a technology perspective, the library is now fitted with appropriate charging options for visitors’ devices, while in the council chambers, provisions have been made for audio-visual systems to support hybrid meetings and remote engagement. “We’ve brought the building into the 21st century,” Duncan says. Since opening late last year, the new and improved council spaces have been well-received. “When people walk in and they see what we’ve achieved – a 40% increase in the floor area, quality furnishings, delivered on time and on budget – the response has been overwhelming,” Duncan says. New Houses • Renovations • Sheds Etc Free Quotations & Personal Satisfaction Guarantee Contact Hayden 021 806 642 We proudly support Waimate District Council
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