The Masterton District Library building is no longer fit for purpose. Its size and layout limits opportunities to display materials, and provide space for study, programmes, and events.

Construction work is expected to start in late-2025/early-2026, with the transformed library opening in Spring 2027.

The library will move to a temporary site at 45 Chapel Street, formerly My Ride, in around November. The site is within a few minutes walking distance of the current site, with parking available for less-mobile library users.

The budget for the project is $10.75 million, spread across three years. As indicated in the consultation document for the 2024-34 proposed Long-Term Plan, the impact on rates will be an estimated $70 per year, or 2 percent, by 2026/27.

The Council when deliberating on the proposed Long-Term Plan 2024-34 made the decision, in the interests of limiting cost to ratepayers, not to include the Archive in the new library space. Instead, land has been retained to accommodate a space for the Archive in the future.

Most modern libraries include an area where customers can relax in a comfortable environment. Having a cafe in the library will create a welcoming space for visitors to relax, socialise, and enjoy refreshments, enhancing their overall experience and encouraging longer visits. The intention is that the kiosk will be offered for tender to local operators with an existing Masterton location.

The design involves a complete transformation of the existing library. The current structure will undergo comprehensive interior renovation, with an entirely new extension constructed on the part of the site currently occupied by the prefabs.

This project will provide Masterton and the wider Wairarapa region with a modern library facility that meets the community's needs and will serve as a valuable resource for generations to come. We're committed to achieving exceptional standards throughout this project, which requires careful planning and execution to ensure lasting quality and value.

Regular engagement with iwi/mana whenua has included discussion of:

Pōwhiri – Creating a meaningful arrival

• Referencing the Whakaoriori theme – birds, korero, nature, ways to transmit knowledge, tune/waiata – ‘Who we are, what is our potential?’

Kōrero Whakawhiti – Creating a space that supports knowledge sharing

Marae Ātea – developing space for wānanga & hui

Pūrākau – incorporating local iwi narratives & history

Te Reo Māori – integration into signage & navigation

Library and Archive staff are working with a member of the Embroidery Guild to carefully remove and clean the panels before safely storing them in the archive during construction. As part of the rebuild, we’re collaborating with iwi and an artist to plan for all the artwork in the library, including the embroidered panels. These plans are still being developed, and no final decisions have been made yet.