We are pleased to advise that Armitage Williams Construction has been awarded the tender to build the new Sumner library, community centre and museum. Armitage Williams Construction will be establishing the site from Monday 18 July and work will begin on Monday 25 July. Construction is expected to take approximately 10 months to complete and we anticipate that the building will open mid-2017.
Work is in progress with the Sumner Redcliffs Historical Society, Sumner Residents Group, Hagley–Ferrymead Community Board and Council staff to create a new time capsule, replacing one that was found during the demolition of the old Sumner Community Centre and Museum. The time capsule was found behind the foundation stone and contained an old Press newspaper dating back to 27 March 1907, old coins and other trinkets. It is anticipated that the new time capsule will be buried in August when laying the new buildings foundations.
The two-storey, 1300-square metre building will be located on the corner of Nayland Street and
Wakefield Avenue, to replace the former community centre, museum and library facilities that were demolished on the same site due to earthquake damage.
The new facility incorporates a library, community centre and museum. The library, community office, display area and courtyard will be situated on the ground floor with the rest of the community functions, hall, kitchen and museum space on the first floor. The design draws inspiration from the local landscape, incorporating natural timber, the colours of the
seaside and architectural features from the demolished Sumner Community Centre and Museum.
A new library and community facility was identified as a key feature in the Sumner Village Centre Master Plan and was supported by 97% of respondents. At the end of 2014, a Joint Working Group made up of community representatives was appointed to have input into the design.
