A karakia and blessing this morning acknowledged the formal start of construction of the new South Dunedin Library and Community Complex.
The Dunedin City Council last year partnered with Positive Property Limited (PPL) to develop the new multipurpose community centre.
Land at the site of the old Wolfenden and Russell Building at 138-156 King Edward Street was officially transferred to DCC ownership on Monday, 29 January.
Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou Ūpoko, Edward Ellison (Ōtākou, Ngāi Tahu) led the karakia this morning to acknowledge the start of the new build.
“This is an exciting time for the South Dunedin community, and this morning’s acknowledgment ceremony is a sign that things are coming into fruition. I look forward to seeing this new facility finished,” says Dunedin City Mayor Jules Radich.
Construction of the two-storey building to a shell stage will be the responsibility of PPL and the DCC will then finish the library fit out upon completion.
The whole project is estimated to cost $21.4million, with the fit out concept still under development.
Some of the possible uses for the new centre, once complete, include community meeting rooms, learning and making spaces, and a recording studio.
“The overall result will be one that the south Dunedin community will be proud of. I expect they will make great use of it,” says Mr Radich.
Previously plans to redevelop another site in south Dunedin for the library centre were scrapped in favour of the deal with PPL.
The new facility is expected to be ready to open in 2025.