Clutha District Councillors have committed up to $2.5 million for a new building in Tapanui that will integrate both the existing community centre and library.
This will be loan funded to spread the cost and will be funded 47% through the Uniform Annual General Charge and 53% through Community Facilities rates.
The funding has been warmly welcomed by people connected to both the existing library and West Otago Community Centre.
West Otago Ward councillor and deputy mayor Michele Kennedy says creating a new building is about future proofing for the next generation.
“This will give our district a viable building that can be used for multiple purposes from sports, a theatre, library, meeting place, service centre, Civil Defence and many more activities,” Michele says.
Cr Kennedy describes the West Otago community as resilient and resourceful, and one that backs local projects.
Her sentiments are echoed by West Otago Community Board chairman Bruce Robertson.
“It makes sense to have a new building especially as the service centre/library is no longer fit for purpose and the maintenance that is required for the roof of the existing West Otago Community Centre.
“It’s not very often our community puts its hand out for funding, we are pretty resourceful, but we do need a hand to make up the shortfall,” Bruce says.
West Otago Community Centre spokesperson Hans van der Linden says without significant funding from the Council it would not have been possible for the community to fund the replacement of the library/service centre and incorporate it into the community centre.
“The centre is ‘our place’ where we all connect for many aspects of community life,” Hans says.
Plans to integrate the community centre and library started back in 2025.
The library has been in Suffolk St since 1961 but is too small for future needs and requires major redevelopment to make it fit for purpose.
The WOCC have already spent money on roof strengthening and infrastructure, but further renewal work is required to replace the roof structure over the central part of the centre.
While council has committed up to $2.5m to the new building the overall project is likely to cost up to $3.5m.
“Our contractors have started the final detailed design work. This will complete the design to building consent application detail and enable fixed pricing to be determined. In the meantime, our fundraising committee will be highly active and do their best to raise the additional money required to see this project through to completion. This is likely to be in the vicinity of $1 million,” Hans says.
“We really encourage West Otago residents and businesses to support our fundraising efforts over the next 18 months,” Hans says.
A tentative timeline puts demolition of the existing centre and library taking place in January 2027 and the new integrated building open in February 2028.
