Seven-month, $2.64 million project means other community upgrades pushed back
Howick Library has closed for a seven-month, $2.64 million renewal, a project that has forced the Howick Local Board to defer new public toilets and mountain bike trail upgrades elsewhere in the area.
“Howick Library and the Fencible Lounge are well-loved community spaces,” Howick Local Board chair Bruce Kendall said.
“Seven months without service is a long time, so the pop-up service is the best way to stay connected.”
The library and the adjacent Fencible Lounge closed on 16 February, with a temporary pop-up service opening at Howick War Memorial Hall a week later.
The renewal includes replacing exterior cladding, membrane roofing, some air conditioning units, refurbished ducting and repainting, work intended to extend the building’s lifespan.
Parking at the library is unavailable while the work is underway.
Because of the cost, the Board has deferred new public toilets in Howick and planned improvements to the Lloyd Elsmore Park mountain bike trail, both now scheduled for the 2028/2029 financial year.
“While this important work is underway, the new public toilets and mountain bike trail improvements will take a little longer than planned,” Kendall said.
“We know these projects matter to our residents, and the Board remains committed to them, we’ll return to them as soon as the library upgrade is complete.”
Justice of the Peace services usually based at the library have moved temporarily to Uxbridge Arts and Culture Centre.
Residents needing full library services in the meantime can visit Highland Park, Pakuranga, Botany or the new Ormiston Town Centre Library.
