The Alexandra Library refurbishment project has moved to the construction quote stage, which is expected to take three weeks.

Central Otago District Council refurbishment project manager Christina Martin said Stewart Construction had been sent the documentation to quote on the job.

“For many months, we’ve been going back and forth with our architects to refine aspects of the design, just to make sure we’d got it right,” she said. 

“I’m thrilled to say that our library worm mascot, who’s been sitting somewhat impatiently on the stage 5 detailed design phase for some months, is now ready to get a wriggle on to stage 6, with the quotation paperwork going out to Stewart Construction at last.”

The Otago-based company estimates a three-week turnaround on providing a quote.

Once quotes (including for furniture and moving) are received and checked against the budget the construction contract can be finalised and a date set for construction. Plans will be available to view online and at the temporary pop-up library, Christina said.

The pop-up library will be in place when construction starts, in the shop space next door to the library (recently vacated by Thrive), so it won’t be far to walk to get books. 

Clyde Library will also be extending its hours through this period.

While the pop-up is in operation, library staff will be using the opportunity to process the books in storage to become Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) capable.