Spark signs on as library, knowledge centre partner
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An agreement between Christchurch City Council and leading digital services provider Spark will ensure the city’s new knowledge centre and library is at the forefront of modern technology and innovative thinking.
The Council and Spark have signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the two organisations’ commitment to working together on the new facility, which is being built on the edge of Cathedral Square.
Council chief executive Karleen Edwards and Spark Managing Director Simon Moutter sign a Memorandum of Understanding.
The library and knowledge centre has been designed by New Zealand firm Architectus in partnership with Danish library design experts schmidt hammer lassen, who have designed some of the world’s leading edge modern library facilities.
It will be an exciting, world class facility with spaces, equipment, programmes and experiences beyond those previously found in traditional libraries.
Under the agreement between Spark and the Council, Spark will operate a space on the ground floor where they will host live events, promote innovation and technology, and provide new digital experiences.
“We’re excited to be establishing an area within the Knowledge Centre where we plan to showcase the very best digital experiences and capability both for the community and local businesses.
“Alongside Spark’s recently announced Cathedral Square building, the Knowledge Centre is a second example of fantastic new development surrounding our iconic Square’’ said Spark’s South Island Head Paul Deavoll.
Council Chief Executive Dr Karleen Edwards said she was thrilled Spark had come on board as a partner in the new library and knowledge centre and excited about the opportunities the partnership could open up.
“The Council’s partnership with Spark will help cement Christchurch as a smart, digital city,’’ Dr Edwards said.
“We will be combining our expertise and working collaboratively with Spark to ensure we create a world-class centre our community will treasure and benefit from.’’
An artist's impression of the new library and knowledge Centre.