Demolition work is underway to make way for South Taranaki’s new $12.5 million library, arts and culture centre - Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga.
South Taranaki District Council project coordinator, Phil Waite says work removing material from inside the buildings has already started and will be followed with demolition of the structures which occupy the site on the corner of Hāwera’s Regent and High Streets.
“I’m excited that we’re finally starting the physical works. There will be some noise and disruption during both the demolition and construction phases but I’m confident people will appreciate that’s unavoidable and will be focussed on the bigger picture,” says Mr Waite.
“When the verandas and street front building walls are being demolished, there will be times when the footpath and parking areas around the site will be closed and parking in the Riddiford Street carpark area will be unavailable as we will be using this space for the contractors’ buildings,” he says.
South Taranaki District Mayor, Phil Nixon says Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga, the Council’s key anchor project in the Hāwera Town Centre upgrade, is designed to create new vibrancy, stimulate economic activity and improve connectivity for both the South Taranaki community and for visitors to the District.
“The new facility will not simply revitalise - it will transform the town centre,” says Mayor Nixon. “The modern, multi-functional, community facility will provide residents and visitors with a wide range of services, information, cultural and educational resources. These include a library, community meeting rooms, art gallery, i-SITE visitor centre, café and public toilets. Te Ramanui will not only be a community and visitor hub, it will be a catalyst for driving change and increasing investment in the town centre.”
Mayor Nixon says over half the funding for the development is coming from external sources with major contributions from the government’s Shovel Ready Projects Fund and the Toi Foundation. Council’s contribution is being loan-funded with earnings from the Council’s Long Term Investment Fund so there is no impact on rates to fund the project.
