Central government money put up for council projects involving well-being may hold the key for a major revamp of Alexandra library.

The move would allow a modern refresh of the Tarbert Street facility, including the welcome addition of toilets inside the building, rather than being located in a nearby street.

Revamp estimates currently sit at just over $1M and council staff were confident an application due in September for $611,500 would likely be successful, through the government’s Three Waters Better Off Support Package.

The package was described as an investment by the Crown into the future for local government and community wellbeing. It aimed to recognise the significance to local government, and

the communities served, of the transfer of responsibility for water service delivery.

The government plans to hand all South Island council-owned and operated water assets, and their management, over to a single entity that would be one of four nationwide.

Cool concept… the funky, modern children’s area proposed for an upgrade at Alexandra’s Public Library

The relocation of the library operation has previously been discussed, with Central Stories Museum and Gallery being a possible destination, and a future move is not being discounted,

despite the planned refurbishment.

Yesterday the Vincent Community Board were told the proposed work must allow for the future possibility of the library shifting to a new location if need be. 

Furniture must be easily transportable and reusable, and any refurbishment of the building needed to be attractive to commercial tenants who might take over the space.

Double glazing of windows and the addition of a separate staff area were outlined in the concept plan approved yesterday by the board. 

Board members agreed the refurbishment was “vital and important” and unanimously supported a funding application being made.