This option is preferred as it delivers the safest and most resilient solution for the Central Library building. This means that further closures due to earthquake damage or additional strengthening won’t be required. Although the initial strengthening work is expensive it removes future costs arising due to earthquake damage or strengthening requirements (if building regulations change). It also increases the building’s life expectancy more than the other remediation options. This option delivers service continuity for the Central Library service, future proofs our ability to deliver an adaptable modern library service and explore partnerships. It also allows us to mitigate some climate change impacts in the future. The building’s heritage will be retained, and it will integrate more with Te Ngākau Civic Precinct and the surrounding streets through additional entrances, views, landscaping and improved accessibility.

Under this option the building’s structural issues would be mitigated to the highest extent possible. It includes work from the low and mid-range remediation options, plus it base isolates the building. Base isolation would mean the building would likely be safe to occupy during and after a significant earthquake, meaning it is most likely to be open afterwards. This option involves the most intrusive construction work and therefore creates the opportunity to fully upgrade the building and immediate surrounds, including connections to Te Ngākau Civic Precinct and Harris Street, and modernise how it works as a library, community and public space for the long term.

Key elements of this option are:
Structural remediation:	Significant refresh and remodel:
Address immediate life safety issues: achieves an NBS in excess of 100%	In addition to the minor and significant interior refresh, it creates the potential for –
Achieves high level of building resilience	major layout reconfiguration of collections, facilities and activity spaces
In addition to the low and mid-level remediation elements, installs a base isolation system	opportunity to deliver new and enhanced services
	new shared spaces for community and civic activities
	stronger connections to Te Ngākau Civic Precinct and the surrounding areas.
	Improved accessibility

At a glance
Cost	$174.4m - $199.8m
Increase for Average Residential Ratepayer each of 50 years of building life	$74.30-$86.20pa
Indicative opening date	May 2025

Advantages	Disadvantages
Building is retained	Highest cost of remediation options
Achieves highest level of life safety with an NBS rating in excess of 100%	Longest timeframe of remediation options to re-open the Central library building
High level of building resilience with minimal risk of future building closures from earthquakes or changes to building regulations	Base isolation requires use of some basement space
Most likely to preserve the building’s heritage elements
Opportunity to fully modernise the library service spaces and facilities
Building remodel would provide significant improved accessibility, activation and connection to Te Ngākau Civic Precinct
Best ability to mitigate the effects of sea level rise for existing library building
Significant opportunities for partnerships
Improved sustainability outcomes due to upgraded building services, increased life expectancy of the building and elements in the fit out

Building features study - Important edges and corners that create Precinct connections and operational improvements.

Image: Athfield Architects Limited

Early Concept Image – Floor plan reorganised to engage more

directly with Civic Square. Image: Athfield Architects Limited