Residents were especially concerned that the new facility would be sustainable in terms of energy use, waste minimisation and the application of other appropriate environmental features.

“We’ve listened to the public and although it meant budget for the project needed to be increased, we’re confident that we will be building a facility our residents want,” says Christchurch City Council project manager Ian McKenzie.

Some of the sustainable principles proposed include using material with a recycled content, using timber from a sustainable source and free of harmful chemicals, incorporating durable materials to minimise the use of applied surface finishes such as paint, collecting and storing rainwater to reduce overall water use and reduce storm water run-off, solar water heating, and retaining the trees along Hunter Terrace and Colombo Street.

“We’ve taken local weather conditions into account too. The use of air conditioning will be minimised with highlevel windows providing light and ventilation. A water-sourced heat pump will provide heating and cooling through the floor. This means we can significantly save energy and open the building to external decks on the western side,” says Mr McKenzie.

The combined centre will incorporate the best features of the Fendalton and New Brighton Libraries with City Council services and a Learning Centre.The new library will have a starting collection of up to 60,000 books. Existing library services will continue at the Spreydon and St Martins Adult Voluntary Library and the St Martins Children’s Library will relocate to the new facility.

A first for New Zealand, the Learning Centre is being made possible by Ministry of Education funds available due to the closure of Sydenham School. Primary school children will benefit from use of the centre during the day and community groups will have access in the evenings. The centre will replace the existing Beckenham Service Centre, which will be demolished. It is envisaged that the new facility will open in April 2003.