Selwyn Times: November 07, 2017

20 Wednesday November 8 2017
Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi
SELWYN TIMES
your space
+your ideas #myfuturelibrary
A library of the future
What’s your future library and community centre
like? What do you want to do there?
All over the world, libraries are transforming from their
traditional focus on books and lending into community spaces
that provide resources, technology and activities to encourage
people to learn, participate and feel connected.
Today’s libraries are ‘community living rooms’ – busy and
dynamic places that are relevant to all sectors of society and
offer spaces to meet, exchange ideas, play, relax, create, be
entertained …
An indicative artist’s impression showing part of the future library and
community centre (at left) and town centre, as seen from Tennyson Street.
Rolleston Library & Community Centre
Ideas sought for new facility
Development of an exciting new library and
community facility for Rolleston and the wider
Selwyn district is set to start in 2018 – and the
Council is looking for ideas on how people might
want to use the new spaces.
The new Library and Community Centre is a key
project in the Rolleston town centre development,
and will be located on what is currently part of
Rolleston Reserve, near Tennyson Street.
The new facility will replace the existing library, which
is now too small for Rolleston’s growing population –
and will also provide a flexible, multi-use space for a
wide range of community purposes.
Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton says community
spaces and libraries are changing. “We want
our new facility to be a place of learning, idea
sharing, culture and exploration.
“The new facility will include a library but will
be about more than just books. It will also offer
flexible multi-purpose spaces for activities and
exhibitions, performances, learning programmes
and music. We want our community to have a
place to meet, reflect and be entertained.
“We will design and build the facility on the basis
that it meets the needs of Selwyn residents so
this is your chance to tell us what you think. The
time to tell us is now.
Rolleston town centre master plan
A master plan for Rolleston town centre was adopted by the Council in 2014 after an extensive community
consultation and planning process.
The plan sets out a vision for a town centre that will be a vibrant and engaging destination for Rolleston,
Selwyn Central ward and the wider Selwyn district.
The Library and Community Centre will be the first building developed on the site, located on part of the
current Rolleston Reserve, and will set the standard for later elements including:
· reserve, open spaces and playgrounds
· town square and civic space
· indoor/outdoor dining and hospitality
“We’re encouraging people to do some timetravel,
if you like – and think about what a future
community space and library might be like, and
how they would use it,” Mayor Broughton
Ideas generated through this community
feedback will be used by the design team for
the facility, to develop spaces and concepts that
reflect innovation and opportunity.
Initial design
concepts for the
library and community
centre will be
prepared during the
first half of 2018, and
residents will have
further opportunities
to comment on
the options for the
facility as the project
develops.
The Council will be providing opportunities for
people to provide their ideas and feedback
through online surveys, as well as at community
events over the next month.
Selwyn District Libraries will also be seeking
ideas from existing library users, with two or three
sessions planned each week through November.
· retail and entertainment areas
· pedestrian-friendly streets and spaces
Since the plan was adopted, a number of steps have been completed to progress the development,
including roading projects such as the Tennyson/Kidman roundabout, the development of Foster Park,
adoption of the Land Use Recovery Plan designating the town centre as a key activity area, and the
statutory Reserve Exchange process to enable redevelopment of part of the existing reserve.
Alongside the library and community centre project, the Council is currently undertaking preliminary work
to identify opportunities for retail and hospitality areas, and bringing together a design team to oversee the
development. Watch for more details in the coming months.
For more information and to view the Master Plan documents: www.selwyn.govt.nz/rollestontowncentre
Some of the innovative activities and spaces you might see in a
future-focused library and community space include:
· Community workshops
· Performance & art spaces
· Technology suites
· Community meeting rooms
· Exhibition & event spaces
· Movie theatre
· Music studio
· Hobby & craft groups
· Multicultural events
& celebrations
· Local history groups
& displays
· Robotics, coding & gaming
· Health & wellness groups
What do you think of these ideas? Have you got ideas of your
own for what you’d like to see and do at the new Rolleston
Library and Community Centre? Please share them with us and
with the community.
Complete the online survey, or send in your ideas – or come
and see us at a community event.
See www.selwyn.govt.nz/myfuturelibrary
your space
+your ideas
It’s your space – and we need your ideas!
Planning for the new Rolleston Library and Community
Centre starts now – with your input on what you want to see
in this exciting new space.
Through to mid-December we want to hear your ideas about
what you want to do in the library and community space.
Your ideas will help our designers come up with a design
that reflects community aspirations.
· Come and see the #myfuturelibrary team at a local
community event:
· Selwyn Motor Fest – Saturday 26 November
· Rolleston Community Centre Kids Market – Saturday
3 December
· We’ll also be at some local neighbourhood Meet your
Street events around Rolleston.
· We’ll be holding a special workshop for youth – details
to come on facebook.com/SelwynYouthCouncil.
· You can also complete an online survey, or just send in
your ideas – send a message, photo, a video.
For details and more information
visit selwyn.govt.nz/myfuturelibrary