Friday, 27 November 2015

Council opens new centre in Halswell

A distinctive new library and community facility opening tomorrow creates a hub for the fast-growing Halswell community.

Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre includes a library with varied spaces, about 5,000 square metres of outdoor area with a swimming pool, several large meeting rooms, inclusive community spaces and a Customer Service desk.

The name Halswell Centre came from a community naming competition. Council staff also worked alongside Mahaanui Kurataiao to consult with Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki and Ngāi Tūāhuriri to arrive at the Māori name; Te Hāpua. This gives reference to pools of water, and a subtle reference to Waihora (Lake Ellesmere), often referred to as a ‘Hāpua’ or coastal lagoon.

Facilities and Infrastructure Director David Adamson says it is exciting to see such a large new facility open in a fast-growing community.

"This is the first time Christchurch City Council has offered so many services under the one roof and it’s a pretty large roof at that."

At just over 3000 square metres, the building is twice the size of Upper Riccarton Community and School Library. The centre's striking design features sloping walls and roofs with rain gardens slotted into the exterior walls, surrounded by glass and lush vegetation. Water from the roof irrigates these plants, while autumn will see 124 new trees planted.

Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre's green features also include high natural light levels and passive solar design, says Deputy Mayor Vicki Buck, who will formally open the centre at 10am tomorrow.

"We've created something quite stunning for people from Halswell and surrounding suburbs. I expect Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre will quickly become a very special place for locals as they learn and play and create lasting memories," says Vicki Buck.

Planning for the centre began in 2009, with $23.1 million earmarked for its development. Even before the post-quake population increase, the Council identified a population boom and community need in Halswell.

Here is a link to the video news release: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jz6qg6gk6tclwsv/AAB5I9gps3QqbCJMDyEnqe84a?dl=0

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