myfuturelibrary

The library and community centre is a key project in the development of the Rolleston Town Centre.

The new facility – located on what is currently part of Rolleston Reserve, near Tennyson Street – will replace the existing library that is now too small for Rolleston and the wider district.

Mayor Sam Broughton says the facility will cater for the increasing needs of the Selwyn district as its population continues to grow. “Thanks to your feedback, our expert designers have created a facility which has spaces and features which reflect innovation and opportunity,” he says.

“The facility will be an asset for the district, and the first step in developing a town centre the people of Selwyn can enjoy and be proud of.”

Did you know? Selwyn’s population is forecast to grow from around 60,000 today to 80,000 by 2028.

How did we get you feedback?

Late last year we spoke to hundreds of residents across Selwyn at libraries, community events, neighbourhood gatherings and online. We asked them to imagine they had travelled through time, and to report back to us about what a future library and community space might look like as well as what kinds of activities could enjoyed. The wonderful feedback we received helped inform the design of the new facility and the innovative features within it.

The new Rolleston Library and Community Centre will have spaces and features which reflect innovation and opportunity.

The two-storey, 2256m2 facility is designed to be flexible, adaptive and suit a range of community needs – so visitors can enjoy attractive spaces which can be reconfigured for a variety of uses.

The library and community centre will include ample room for current and future library collections, along with performance spaces, exhibition and display areas, children’s spaces plus research and historical spaces.

Christchurch architecture firm Warren and Mahoney, which is responsible for bringing the Rolleston town centre to life, ensured the facility’s design incorporated the community’s feedback, as well as the cultural and environmental makeup of the Selwyn district.

“It was important for us to listen to the community’s ideas and aspirations for their future facility,” says the firm’s Principal Jonathan Coote. “Our vision for the Rolleston town centre development is to create a vibrant town centre and a focal point for the community which will contribute positively to the economic growth of the district.”

Council property and commercial manager Douglas Marshall says a distinctive design was also a key factor. “We want to ensure that the design fits in well with the landscape around it,” Mr Marshall says. “From the Tennyson Street site the Selwyn landscape is very prominent, with views from the mountains through the foothills and down to the Canterbury Plains.”

The original budget, set at $19.1 million, has increased to $22.2 million. The new budget recognises construction costs with comparable library projects in the Canterbury region. The new budget also leaves room for any additional costs incurred during the building process.

The Council worked closely with Te Taumutu Runanga on the design to ensure the facility reflected the landscape and important cultural values of our district.