| 15 T T Kelly Deeks Community asset taking shape Sitting prominently at the corner of Richmond Quay and Boundary Street, the development’s riverside location offers stunning views down the Grey River and out to the sea. Grey District Council: Riverview Development REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Greymouth CBD is being transformed with an ambitious new build that will house the town’s new public library on its upper floor and offer three prime commercial tenancies on the ground floor. Led by Grey District Council in partnership with Development West Coast, and with guidance from Ngāti Waewae, who are also adding the cultural design aspects, the project is part of a long-term strategy to rejuvenate the heart of Greymouth and deliver greater vibrancy to the town centre. Group manager operations Kurtis Perrin-Smith says the project has reached a pivotal point, with the structure now enclosed ready for internal works to get underway. Sam Summerton from Smart Project Management is helping guide the project. “We chose a method of early contractor involvement (ECI) for our procurement, bringing in Tony Wilkins Builder early on to advise on buildability alongside our designer RM Designs, which has meant we haven’t had too many headaches or hurdles along the way,” says Kurtis. “It’s been smooth sailing so far, and we’re on track for completion and public opening in the first quarter of next year.” Sitting prominently at the corner of Richmond Quay and Boundary Street, the development’s riverside location offers stunning views down the Grey River and out to the sea. These views will be fully appreciated from the new library’s café and outdoor balcony. “This is a significant project for Greymouth,” Kurtis says. “It supports the wider CBD redevelopment that began some years ago with the Tainui Street town square upgrade. The development complements that effort and signals a fresh stage of urban investment and growth.” The building is jointly owned by Council and Development West Coast. The first floor will house the modern new library, while the three ground-floor commercial tenancies are currently being marketed. Council is confident demand will be strong, with interest already circulating from food & beverage and retail operators. “We’re working hard to secure the right mix of businesses to bring new life and foot traffic into this part of the CBD,” Kurtis says. The development has been shaped with community wellbeing and functionality at its core, and the new library will offer more than just books. It will feature dedicated spaces for teens, young adults, and children, including a Lego play area and a children’s playground. A parents’ room offers privacy for feeding babies, while generous buggy parking ensures accessibility for families. Self-service computers will streamline the borrowing experience, and public-use computers will improve digital access. Meeting rooms, breakout spaces, and quiet zones will offer flexibility for community groups and individuals alike. A permanent West Coast Room will house regional archives and history collections, preserving a sense of place and identity. Council library staff members have been involved in the design and fit-out process, ensuring the new space will be functional, efficient, and tailored to community needs. “They’ve been fantastic,” Kurtis says. “The knowledge they hold and their input has really enhanced the end result. There’s a real sense of excitement among the team about the move.” The library will also offer interwoven museum-style exhibits, and the café will be privately operated, creating a welcoming, multi-purpose community hub. The future of the current library facility remains under consideration. As the final stages of construction progress, Council is focused on delivering a landmark building that meets both community needs and long-term development goals for the district. “This is about future-proofing and creating a place that locals can be proud of,” Kurtis says. “We’re looking forward to welcoming the public into this new space next year.” 1306% 50 803, 8*5) (3&:.065) -*#3"3: '30. $0/$&15 50 $0.1-&5*0/ JOGP!SNEFTJHOT DP O[ !SNEFTJHOTO[ XXX SNEFTJHOT DP O[ .POUFJUI T #SFXFSZ DPNQMFUFE
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=