Meeting of minds on new Library build site

Grey District Mayor Tania Gibson met with the lead contractor, project managers, designers and ground work contractors yesterday. Mayor Gibson says she’s excited to see the project getting momentum after the Council Controlled Organisation (CCO).

The project is majority loan-funded by Council, and the CCO with Development West Coast will oversee construct of the building and manage the complex once it’s complete. Additional funding from Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, ensured the project got over the line.

“I’m so pleased that we’ve been able to get a head start through the Early Contractor Involvement process. An extensive procurement process has been undertaken, overseen by Quantity Surveyors Kingstons, and local firm Tony Wilkins Builders has been engaged in the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process.

“This is very much the team that were responsible for the Pounamu Pathways building which came in on time, and on budget, and is now up for an international award. I’m really looking forward to seeing the library progress and having this amazing asset for our community and future generations in place by Christmas 2025”.

Tony Wilkins says when the project is at its peak, he expects there will be up to 40 local trades on site.

“It’s going to be a challenge, that’s for sure, but one we’re definitely up for. It’s a bigger build than Pounamu Pathways, but not as complex. We’re looking forward to getting stuck in and bringing the plans to life.

“I expect the base build will be complete late 2025.”

Sam Summerton, Project Manager from Smart Project Management says he’s looking forward to keeping the community engaged.

“This is hugely exciting for the local community. We’ll be driving local procurement throughout the process and look forward to including the community as much as possible. We’re really looking forward to engaging with the wider public on the interior of the library, which will be our next focus.”

Arno Louw, Regional Manager for Liddell Construction, says ground works will be getting underway this week.

“We’re proud to be part of a local building again and providing our experience and expertise to what will be an amazing community hub for the Grey District. The public will see fences go up in the next couple of days, and then it will be all on, with diggers, trucks, concrete trucks, pumps – all the fun stuff that a big build brings.”

Heath Milne, Development West Coast CEO, is pleased to see progress. DWC is a crucial partner in the CCO arrangement,making a significant financial contribution and providing the land for the project site.

“It’s been a long time in the making, but we’re finally now going to see some activity. All going to plan the new library will be open in December next year. We’re looking forward to watching it grow and develop over the next 18 months.

“It’s a great example of partnership between the community, local and central government, which wouldn’t be possible without the Kānoa grant funding. A modest investment from government can make a massive difference to a region like the West Coast.”

Mayor Gibson says Grey District Council will be closely monitoring progress and sharing updates about the build regularly throughout the construction process.

“Engagement with the community around what the interior of the library will look like, including what people want to see included in this vital community asset, will begin soon.”