The second stage of preparing Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui for strengthening is underway. The first stage involved removing all fixtures and fitting which we completed in December 2021.
This second phase is removing services (air-conditioning, lighting and so on, many of which were due to be replaced) and interior walls from roof down the five floors and basement.
Where possible, our supplier Ceres will recycle items to reduce the amount of material going into the landfill.
The team will work between 7.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, until August 2022.
What you’ll see
In the first two weeks Ceres will set up a site office and extend the hoardings over the footpaths on Victoria and Harris Street outside the library, including the ramp into Te Ngākau Civic Precinct.
This does not affect the stairs to the City Gallery and Nikau Café and the pedestrian entrance into Te Ngākau Civic Precinct from Victoria Street (between Te Matapihi and Civic Administration Building) which will remain open.
Trucks will be going in and out from two entrances on Victoria Street, so if you’re driving take care and follow the Stop/Go signs.
What’s next
As well as strengthening the library we’re taking this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to modernise Te Matapihi and set it up to serve our growing city. As well as extending levels three and four, people will be able to connect with the libraries’ collection and services alongside City Archives, the Council Service Centre, and Capital E.
We are currently working with these groups on the best way to design the interior around the strengthening beams. We will share these plans towards June 2022.
The foundational strengthening works is planned to start late in 2022 dependent on the Resource Consent process. We’ll share more detail closer to the time.