New Avondale library, community hub and town square design confirmed

A new library, community hub and town square for Avondale is on track to be built in 2023, after the Whau Local Board approved finalised concept designs in June. The decision came after community input into the design, which was enacted through public consultation in April-May.

Eke Panuku Development Auckland and Auckland Council are working together to deliver on this project. Completion of the developed design is anticipated in 2022.

• The Whau Local Board approved the design brief, vision and key provisions for the building and surrounding public space in August 2019. Thanks to Avondale’s passionate and engaged community, we’ve been able to adapt plans for the location based on their feedback:
• With parking being the main concern, an area on Racecourse Parade will be investigated as the potential home for a new, 34-space car park.
• The centre will have areas that are play-friendly, with playable features incorporated into the design.
• A kitchenette to facilitate catering and a lobby area to accommodate external equipment has been added to the larger community space.
• The facility’s size was determined with consideration to the expected residential growth in Avondale and the site allows for the opportunity of expansion down the line if needed.

The design’s most popular aspect was the building and layout, with particularly positive feedback around the room sizes, the views from the centre and the modern design.

“Ultimately this facility must meet the needs of the local community, and the level of engagement on this project has been fantastic,” said Eke Panuku's Priority Location Director - West, John Carter.

“We’d like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to offer their feedback, which has shaped the final concept design.”

Early engagement with mana whenua on this project enabled a clear vision to be created with the underlying principles of hononga – connection, relationships and bond. These principles were important in the development of the project’s design brief as well as informing the concept design, to ensure consideration was given to how we work together, the services and design of the facility, and how the facility will operate when it opens. Ongoing involvement with mana whenua will continues as the project progresses.

Community engagement illustrated that this will be a place for the whole whānau, be it exploring the library, sitting with a book in one of the quiet areas and enjoying the good views, or using the outdoor space for activities like games and barbecues. The input from community groups, individuals and local organisations were all essential to the concept design process.

Whau Local Board Chair Kay Thomas said: “We are pleased that Eke Panuku has been able to find solutions to the issues raised by the public during the consultation process. It shows the worth of speaking to the community to get the plans right.

“It’s also really pleasing to be able to see this project really gaining momentum, and I, like the rest of Avondale, am very much looking forward to seeing progress continue.”

With the concept designs finalised, the team at Eke Panuku are looking forward to moving to the next stage of design.

You can read the full details, courtesy of Whau Local Board, here.