Hub returning to the heart of Woolston village

Plans for a new Woolston Community Facility will include a nod to the distinctive brick of the former Woolston Community Library that once occupied the site.

Work will begin at the site in November and an artists impression shows the community desire for brick and timber in the building will be forefront in the plans. 

An artists impression of the Woolston Community Hub.

Christchurch City Council project manager Selena Robertson said the new facility would restore a focal point for Woolston.

“We can’t wait to begin work on this new facility later this year and bring a community hub back to the village.

“We have had two rounds of public consultation seeking comments about what should be included in the building, how community groups want to use it, and a preference of materials for the exterior – brick and timber were the favoured options. We feel like we have a great idea of what this community needs from the facility and we’re on track to deliver the new hub by June 2018.”

The building would include a public toilet, the volunteer library, a small meeting room, and a hall for community groups to use.

The old Woolston Community Library.

The former Library was badly damaged in the Christchurch earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, but the site was brought back to life through a transitional project last year when children from local schools decorated large planter boxes and created decorative tiles.

The detailed design for the new facility is currently underway by the design team, which is made up of Ignite Architects and TM Consultants.

Sally Buck, Chair of the Linwood - Central - Heathcote Community Board said the planning stages marked a major step in the rebuilding process.

"I am very excited to see this project finally happening and can't wait for Woolston to have its community centre back."

The Woolston Community Library was one of the first suburban libraries to open in Christchurch in 1871.