Ashburton Library and Ashburton Community Centre upgrade

Council is planning an exciting project to modernise the Ashburton Library and Ashburton Community Centre.

Project background

The Ashburton Library currently offers a range of traditional services and programs for children, young people, adults and the older community. Increasing demand for resources such as computers and technological advances has seen the nature of library use change over time, and has lead to a rethink of contemporary library services and facility requirements.

The service demand at the adjacent Ashburton Community Centre is also in a state of transition. The centre has outgrown its facility (formerly a residential house) and needs a truly multipurpose facility to provide new and more community programs in the future.

Given that local community libraries are evolving into more interactive community and cultural facilities, and due to current space limitations at both premises, it is proposed to co-locate the community centre alongside an upgraded Ashburton Library.

Consultation now closed

During March and April 2011, Council consulted with residents, library and community centre users and traders on the planned upgrade to Ashburton Library and Ashburton Community Centre.

Council, and the appointed architectural services firm, Whitfield McQueen Irwin & Alsop, have worked with the findings of last year's consultation and representatives from the library and community centre to develop a functional concept plan.

Council asked the community to comment from Monday 23 January to Friday 17 February, 2012 on a concept plan for development. Though this consultation period is now closed, you can stlll view the concept plan below.