Dunedin City councillors will today vote on the preferred location for a $5.25 million library and community hub for South Dunedin.
The vote today comes after the council and Athfield Architects presented the preferred option to South Dunedin residents last month.
Under the preferred proposal, a library would be built in the former BNZ building in King Edward St and the facility linked to the neighbouring council car park on Rankeilor St and the Gasworks Museum through Lorne St.
Some facilities, such as a cafe, would be based at the museum.
Staff are recommending councillors approve moving ahead with the BNZ building site with the aim of developing detailed designs and constructing the facility between July next year and June 2019.
Councillors were also given the option of the second-most favoured site, 180-190 King Edward St, which is at present occupied by Pact, or suggesting one of the other sites considered.
In a report, council arts and culture group manager Bernie Hawke said the BNZ building was the preferred site because of its location beside the Lorne St Plaza and its links to the Rankeilor St car park.
"This creates an important additional opportunity to optimise the community use of the plaza and for the community to interact with and around a civic building. The location also provides future opportunities for a hub that incorporates both indoor and outdoor activities that are clearly differentiated within the precinct."
If councillors approved the recommendation, it was anticipated that between now and June next year staff would begin negotiations with the property’s owners and current tenants.
It would also explore opportunities for establishing pop up/test facilities at the site, which would include providing public Wi-Fi, meeting space and some library facilities.
An updated report would be provided to council early next year on property negotiations in time for consideration in the annual plan process.
