Extra floor for library latest idea to house hub

Adding a third storey to the library has emerged as a surprise option to create a community hub for Takapuna.

But as with an alternative proposal for a new facility in a building in Waiwharariki Anzac Square, a funding shortfall would require ratepayer or council top-up.

The surprise library expansion sugges- tion emerged last week when the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board said it had signed off in a recent confidential workshop on selling the rundown Mary Thomas Centre around the corner on Gibbons Rd.

That will be disposed of by Auckland Council’s property arm, Eke Panuku, with proceeds to go back into Takapuna facilities.

Board chair Toni van Tonder said the cost of creating community services at the library would be considerably less than a hub on several floors of leased space in a private building, yet to be built in the square.

It also offered a way to future-proof the well-loved, council-owned library building

To page 7

Fan zone... Takapuna Boating Club commodore James Jordan bedecked in Norwegian bunting, and club member Sandra Smedhäll, who is an official ambassador for the Swedish women’s football team, preparing to turn the venue into “Klubb Skandinavien” for Women’s World Cup match-watching, beginning late this month. Story, page 6.

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