Time to have your say on Grey District’s new community hub

Members of the community can get copies of the new facility’s floor plan and are encouraged to draw what you'd like to see in the new space, whether that’s more room for quiet reading or extra space for messy play with the kids.

Grey District Council Chief Executive Joanne Soderlund says it’s an opportunity for current and prospective library users to tell Council what it wants to see in the space.

“The size and construction of the building have been determined by the partnership between DWC and Grey DC and thanks to additional funding from Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit. While the floorplan is clearly defined, we want to hear what our community wants to see included in this exciting new space. Questions of colours, fitout, what needs to be included in the way of meeting rooms and computer assets are all yet to be answered.”

Mrs Soderlund says modern libraries are changing.

“They’re more of a community hub offering a wide range of activities and experiences. They connect, strengthen, inspire, and activate their communities. We have a unique opportunity to re-imagine what a new facility could offer our changing community.”

Mrs Soderlund says a display has been erected in the current library with images of other libraries around Aotearoa available for inspiration. Submission forms, including blank floor plans for people to sketch and write their ideas on, are available and can be left at the library or dropped into Council offices in Tainui St.

“I encourage anyone who uses the library to pop in, have a look at the displays, pick up some information and a floor plan and let us know what they want to see. It’s an exciting opportunity for our community to establish a unique community hub for this and future generations.”

Information will also be available online on the Have your say Grey page, and you can download a copy of the floorplan so you can map out your dreams and ideas. If drawing isn’t your thing, you can also provide a written response and link to any ideas or inspiration from other libraries around the country, or from around the world.

Grey District Mayor Tania Gibson is calling for all of the community to get involved.

“If you’re not already a library user, we also want to know what could we include in this new space to entice you into the library and becoming a part of this exciting community hub,” Mayor Gibson says.

“This is your opportunity to have a real impact on what goes into our library. If you’ve seen great stuff elsewhere in the country or around the world, share your ideas and desires with us today.”