​Making way for the new Elsie Stewart Community Library and Pool

Demolition has begun for the $19.4M Elsie Stewart Community Library and Pool this week.

Buildings are being taken down in Ajax Street behind the former Milton Community Library, which closed last Friday (21 November 2025).

The Library is currently relocating to its temporary premises in the Milton Coronation Hall where it will re-open on Monday (1 December).

South Otago company Andrew Haulage Ltd will then continue the demolition programme on the former Library building next week (from 1 December) to make way for the Elsie Stewart Community Library and Pool build on Union Street.

The Tokomairiro Training Centre building on Ajax Street will commence demolition from late December with the facility moving to a Clutha District Council-owned property that Tokomairiro Training will lease.

The new Elsie Stewart Community Library and Pool, to be built by Milton-based construction company Calder Stewart, is designed to offer a wide range of services all year round for the Milton and wider Clutha District communities, from swimming lessons and competitions through to digital help, library programmes and celebrating local history. It will be a central point for connection, knowledge, health, and leisure.

For more information go to: Major milestone reached for Bruce Community Facility in Milton - Clutha District Council