26 Apr 2017

The roof is on and construction is over half way through the new Bishopdale Library and Community Centre, with plans on track to have the facility open to the public by July.

Christchurch City Council Senior Project Manager Matt Cummins said the building project was on target and would provide a huge boost for foot traffic at the Bishopdale Mall. 

Builders work amid scaffolding at the new Bishopdale Library.

Construction is over half way through the Bishopdale Community Centre and Library.

“Work is progressing really well. We’ve got internal ceilings going up and electrical and plumbing work is well underway. We've also got the roof on in time for winter and windows are going in now. Our contractors have about nine weeks left on site before we begin the fit out. We are hoping to be open and operating in July.” 

The new facility will replace the adjacent closed Bishopdale Community Centre and Library in Bishopdale Mall, which has been approved for demolition by Council.

Christchurch City Council Head of Libraries and Information Carolyn Robertson said the building was 800 square-metres and featured a combined library and community hall joined by an atrium.

“We’re starting to ramp up towards the end of construction and into the fit out which is incredibly exciting for the community. This will be a drawcard to invigorate the Bishopdale Mall and increase foot traffic. The temporary library has been a roaring success, it’s been well patronised and loved, and we can see that having a new centre is going to be such a great asset for the community,” Ms Robertson said.

The buildings back onto Bishopdale Park and many of the design aspects compliment the neighbouring outdoor area and park setting.

“The building includes a number of landscaped enclosed outdoor spaces with decks so when the weather is good, library and community programmes can extend outside.”

The single storey building has a hall which can accommodate up to 160 people, a space created specifically for community groups who fed back to Council that a bigger space was required in the community.

“We’ve already had a lot of interest from community groups, which is so great to see. It’s going to bring even more life to this area of Bishopdale,” Ms Roberston said.

An artwork made from carved totara had been commissioned for the front of the building and would be in place in time for opening.