Inspirational libraries
Community libraries are treasures in New Zealand and Citycare Property is proud to have refurbished three of these neighbourhood assets in two different cities recently.
Shirley Library in Christchurch has been transformed into a light, bright and modern environment for staff and the public as part of a refurbishment project undertaken by the Citycare Property Christchurch minor capital works team.
The library re-opened recently with a refreshed look – a new colour scheme, carpet, energy efficient LED lighting, new & refurbished furniture, and a more open layout.
The six-week renovation is part of Christchurch City Libraries’ 10-year refurbishment programme and the library was closed during the work.
The Council’s Manager Community Libraries Erica Rankin said the new layout was a great result with excellent quality and finishing.
Citycare Property Project Manager Tim Gaston says the collaboration between the Citycare and Council teams and sub-contractors led to a successful outcome.
Early involvement for Citycare in the planning of the renewals package meant the project flowed smoothly, he says.
As well as a more open library space, the Council’s Shirley Service Centre has been integrated into the lobby to create a user-friendly customer environment ahead of NZ Post postal and bill-paying services becoming available on July 1.
Previously, Citycare Property Christchurch Property teams had worked on refurbishment of the libraries in Akaroa and Redwood.
Renovation work on the floors at Te Whare Pukapuka Motu-kairangi / Miramar Library and Te Whare Pukapuka o Ōtari / Wadestown Library for Wellington City Council was completed in May.
“The whole idea is to create a wow factor with the carpet,’’ Citycare Property Wellington Project Manager Derek Bradley says.
It’s a collaborative process, combining interior design expertise and input from the library staff and ensuring the concepts work with the budget, he says.
Designer Aaron Openshaw from Belgotex New Zealand says he likes to treat floors like an artist’s canvas.
“For example, at Miramar we used grey and light blue to represent the beach and the sea and a design inspired by tukutuku panels,” Derek says.
All of the books were removed onto mobile book trolleys, then the shelves were shifted, and replaced once the work was completed.
The shelving plan was mapped out so everything ended up back where it started.
At Wadestown Library the shelves are on wheels so they were able to be moved around easily while the carpet was installed.
The new carpet tiles are eco-friendly. The product is called ECONYL and is made from recycling rescued nylon waste from fishing nets, textiles and industrial plastic from landfills and oceans, reducing the global warming impact of nylon by up to 80% compared with the material from oil.
Work at the two libraries re-started in Level 3.
The librarians told the Citycare team they really love the colours in the carpets which have created a bright atmosphere in the library spaces for both the public and staff.
Shirley Library
Wadestown Library
Mirarmar Library