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Alexandra Library Refurbishment

20 September 2024

The Alexandra Library renovation project is on track to be completed by Christmas.

Work to refurbish the library at 43 Tarbert St started in June, a project that was estimated to take about six months to complete, thanks to the support of our contractors, and sub-contractors.

We are approximately halfway through the project. Painters are working to complete the paintwork, with the final areas underway. The new toilets have plumbing in place and are framed up, and the windows are being double glazed.

The balustrade/mezzanine floor is now complete and shows how the refurbishment is already making a dramatic improvement to the aesthetics while maintaining safety in the library space.

Contractors have noticed a range of people, of all ages, taking a peek through the window to track the progress, but they will have to wait until December before they can enjoy the new space and everything it has to offer.

The goal of this upgrade was to create a modern space that provides for the traditional and evolving role of library services. We anticipate the library space to become a hub that offers a flexible space for our community to not only read, but to come together and connect.

Until it reopens, people can visit the pop-up library established at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery.

A range of programmes, including Home Services, wi-fi, printing and computer use has remained available at the pop-up library.

If it’s a good book you are after, a wide range of the library’s collection are displayed on the shelves, including the most popular titles, hot picks and new editions.

Everything else is in storage but is easy to retrieve if anyone requests something that isn’t immediately available.

Read more: Alexandra pop-up library open for business

The balustrade/mezzanine floor before it got its facelift.

The area after, showcasing what a difference the space will offer to staff and visitors.

The exterior with the new te reo signage.

PHOTOS: CODC

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30 May 2024

Alexandra Library closing 10 June with Pop-Up Library opening 17 June.

The library will be moving out of the current space on 10 June and will close temporarily for a week while staff pack up and set up the pop-up library at Central Stories, Centennial Ave Alexandra, opening 17 June.

While the pop-up is in place, people will still be able to reserve the books as usual, and all the services will remain largely the same, although some programmes may be in reduced format.

Reservations and returns will be automatically adjusted during the week the library is closed.

Check out the CODC News article for more about refurbishment and pop up: The Alexandra Library refurbishment officially starts Monday 17 June - Central Otago District Council (codc.govt.nz)

6 Jun 2023: Alexandra Library Renovation project gets a wriggle on to Stage 6

Very good news indeed for Central Otago Libraries… the Alexandra Library Refurbishment project has moved to the construction quote stage.

We've been sitting on stage 5 detailed design phase since February, and now the project has moved onto stage 6, with the quotation paperwork going out to Stewart Construction.

The Otago-based company estimates a three-week turnaround on providing a quote.

Once all the quotes are received (there are furniture and moving quotes as well) this is checked against the budget. If everything aligns then the construction contract is finalised, a date is set for construction, and the plans will be available to view online and at the temporary pop-up library. This will be in place when construction starts, in the shop space right next door to the library (recently vacated by Thrive), so it won’t be far to walk to get books and more. Clyde Library will also be extending its hours through this period.

While the pop-up is in operation, library staff will be using the opportunity to process the books in storage to become Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) capable.

We hope to bring you news of the construction start date in the coming months.

15 February 2023

Taking time to get the detail right in detailed design stage

First up we have some great news. In December we received news that the Alexandra Library Refurbishment project was one of 11 Central Otago District Council projects to receive financial support through the Central Government’s Better Off funding package - $611,500 in total.

The Alexandra Library Refurbishment project team is passionate about getting the most out of the design for the library project. This has meant that this stage is taking a little longer than expected with a bit of going back and forwards with our architect partner Architects Plus to refine aspects of the design before it is given to contractor Stewart Construction to quote (Stage 6 of the project).

We have confirmed that when construction starts, we’ll have a pop-up library available in the shop space right next door to the library (recently vacated by Thrive), so you won’t have far to walk to continue getting your fix of books and more. Clyde Library will also be extending its hours.

We are also looking to maximise this opportunity and while the pop-up library is in operation the library team will also be getting stuck into processing the books in storage to become Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) capable.

We have a few items to firm up before we can lock in a construction date but as soon as we know we’ll be putting out another community update, but our best guess is construction starting mid-year – fingers crossed.

14 October 2022

Alexandra Library refurbishment project progresses to stage 5

Another milestone for the Alexandra Library Refurbishment Project is complete. The tender for a construction partner was awarded to Stewart Construction this month.

Stewart Construction is contracted to review the detailed design and provide a construction quote. Then, if the Stewart Construction's quote, compared with the quantity surveyor cost estimate, is fair and reasonable, and total funding is achieved as a result of the Central Government “Better Off” funding application then execution of a construction contract with Stewart Construction will follow.

The advantage of early contractor engagement is the ability to capture the builder's input into the design, therefore reducing the risk of variations during construction.

6 July 2022: Approval given to progress library renovation phases

The Alexandra Library Renovation Project concept plan has been approved by the Central Otago District Council.

At the Council meeting in Alexandra on Wednesday 6 July approval was also given for the chief executive to progress the concept plan through to the detailed design, construction partner and quotation project phases while awaiting the outcome of a funding application to the Three Waters Better Off Support Package to meet a budget shortfall for an enhanced design.

The project is estimated to cost $1,035,000, including a 30% contingency (common in the current environment). Additional budget of $611,500 is required from the better off package funding. This is contestable Government funding that allows councils to invest in projects for their local communities’ wellbeing.

The change of scope would deliver a more fit-for-purpose and modern library environment. Additional items included internal toilets, a separate staff room, and double glazing. Particular attention was paid to ensuring that the design provided flexibility within the current building for potential alternative uses in the future.

At the meeting, it was moved that if the project was not approved by Council for inclusion in the Three Waters Better off package, the chief executive would progress a cosmetic upgrade that had already been budgeted for, which would include a repaint, re-carpet, and shelving within budget.

Submissions for Tranche 1 of the Three Waters Better Off Funding submissions are due before 30 September, and the decision is estimated to take one month.

13 December 2021

Architect appointed for Alexandra Library Refurbishment Project

South Island company Architects Plus has been awarded the design contract for the Alexandra Library Refurbishment Project.

CODC Executive Manager – People and Culture Louise Fleck, who manages the libraries activity for Council, said the company stood out as it offered one-stop shop project management, a turn-key solution and the added “wow factor”.

The Alexandra Library refurbishment project has a goal date for completion of December 2022.

This aim is to create a modern future-proofed space – a space that not only provides traditional library services, but offers a flexible space for the community to use to come together to connect, create and collaborate. The $423,500 refurbishment will include new flooring, painting, furnishings and furniture, a lighting upgrade and improvements to the information technology capability.

Graham McDermid of Architects Plus said the team was pleased to receive the role as architects for the project.

“We are excited to tackle the challenge of improving the functionality of the existing library space while implementing new facilities and technology. We understand the need to acknowledge and realise the public’s desires, and will ensure to take a ‘by people, for people approach’, encouraging congregation and confluence between all. Our central ideology is to create a bridge to resources and community involvement.”

The next stage in the project is to develop a concept design ready for the Vincent Community Board and Council approval in March-April next year.

11 October 2021: Alexandra Library Refurbishment Project underway

The Alexandra Library is getting a makeover. The planning stage of a refurbishment project is underway, with a goal date for completion of December 2022.

This aim is to create a modern future-proofed space – a space that not only provides traditional library services, but offers a flexible space for the community to use to come together to connect, create and collaborate.

The refurbishment, which has a budget of $423,500, will include new flooring, painting, furnishings and furniture, a lighting upgrade and improvements to the information technology capability.

CODC Executive Manager – People and Culture Louise Fleck, who manages the libraries activity for Council, said it was exciting to be getting the project underway.

“We know this is a project that community will be really interested in, so we have created a library-themed refurbishment timeline to illustrate the stages of the project. People will be able to see where we are up to by watching our ‘we are here’ bookworm move its way along the stack of books to the last volume. We’ll have this up on the Council and our joint library website and displayed prominently in our Alexandra Library too.”

Ms Fleck said when it came to construction time next year there would be a pop-up library available to ensure their loyal library users continued to be able to access services locally.

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