The library car park on Hamilton Street will be closed from Monday, 21 August 2017 during demolition of the Council Administration building. It will remain closed until the completion of the demolition, which is currently scheduled to be December 2017.
The demolition of the building will take longer than originally scheduled following the discovery of additional asbestos in the building. Council is working with contractors to remove the asbestos, in accordance with WorkSafe New Zealand-approved code of practice for the management and removal of asbestos.
The demolition project will impact some bus users. From Monday, 21 August 2017, Stop B on Willow Street will be relocated around the corner to Wharf Street, and the regional bus stop Stop D will be moved further up Wharf Street.
Library book drop-off is at the main entrance to the library, which can be accessed from Wharf Street or Willow Street. Council’s Customer Service Centre and the library will be open normal hours.
Mobility parking in the library car park has been relocated, with two additional mobility spaces added in Masonic Park and one on Durham Street, near Baycourt.
Council apologises for any inconvenience during this time, and appreciates understanding while work is underway to create a vibrant, safe and successful city centre.
Once demolition work is complete at Willow Street, Little Big Events will be activating the space for the community. This will be in place until investment decisions are made on the future of the space and the site is developed.
Little Big Events are the creators and managers of community-focused events such as The Little Big Markets in Mount Maunganui and Papamoa, Dinner in the Domain, Tauranga’s Christmas in the Park, Vegan Vibes, Beast of a Feast, Street Food Union and Diner en Blanc. They were also responsible for the re-activation of the Victoria Park Markets in Auckland.
Council resolved in September 2016, as part of the Civic Heart Long Term Plan amendment, to demolish the Administration building as soon as practically possible, following the discovery of toxic mould in the building in November 2014.