Site clear for new library and civic hub
A corner site on the main street of Kaikohe has been cleared just one month after demolition began to make way for the new Kaikohe Library and Civic Hub, which is set to transform the town centre.
Demolition of vacant buildings at the intersection of Broadway and Raihara Street began on Monday 15 July. The demolition was due to be completed by early September but was finished more than two weeks earlier than expected.
Temporary site fencing – required during the demolition and erected between roadside carparks and the curb – has been removed. The construction site remains fenced off to pedestrians.
The design phase for the new facility is well underway with input provided by ĀKAU design studio which ran papamahi (workshop) events with local taitamariki, hapū and other key stakeholders to identify key concepts and spaces for the community project.
A start date for the construction of the new build will be confirmed once the design phase is completed in November.
An assessment of the two buildings that occupied the site was made prior to their demolition, to determine which materials could be safely and sustainably repurposed. Potentially hazardous materials including asbestos in both buildings limited recycling options. However, contractors were instructed to recycle or repurpose materials that did not present a hazard wherever possible. Any concrete that could be reused was taken by the old quarry in Kaikohe and all usable structural steel and iron by Eddie Court in Kaikohe. Other materials from the demolished buildings weren’t recycled due to the prohibitive cost this would incur for ratepayers.
The existing Kaikohe Library will remain open at its current location for the majority of the construction project, which is expected to start next year.
Far North Holdings Limited is project managing the site clearing and building of the new facility.
Go to the Kaikohe Library and Civic Hub website for more information.
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