Grandiose hub concept not backed by data

The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board is flying an unstable kite suggesting we locate our current Takapuna Library and the many associated community services in a building yet to be built on a site already owned by a developer. This rather grandiose proposal is not accompanied by any financial analysis or cost/benefit data.

The current Takapuna Library, that we own, needs a new roof and a plan to upgrade. Takapuna residents, or any other yet-to-beidentified ratepayer, should not be lumbered for an undefined time with yet another rate on top of the new council rate increase (and future increases). The Central Auckland Library just got a new roof with a roof top garden; Bob Harvey made sure West Aucklanders got a complete new library without extra rating; Orewa Library will get a new roof allocated from the recent council budget and Devonport got a new library courtesy of the council’s central funds.

Its highly unfortunate that when Panuku, with council’s permission, sold off the Takapuna Car Park area, the proceeds went to council’s coffers. This was a myopic outcome. If a community hub is built over several floors, we will be paying commercial rent on a forever basis.

When No 2 The Strand was a library, the then North Shore Council wisely placed a stipulation on the building, ensuring that should it be sold, the funds must return to the local community. The sale proceeds of that building, in such a prime site, can contribute to the new roofing of the buildings we actually own.

It has been stated that the previous local board did not make a decision on the fate of the current library. In fact, Ruth Jackson, Jan O’Connor and I fought hard to get a better deal. We identified the current library, Mary Thomas Centre and Community Services buildings could continue to be a great community-owned asset. The CAB, the Takapuna Budgeting Service and other groups could expand. It was clear Panuku representatives were deaf to these proposals. We questioned Panuku’s desire to focus on renting one of the square developers’ new buildings.

It’s ironic that we are being asked to consider renting space in the old carpark area, Waiwharariki Anzac Square, when less than 10 years ago this community owned the land.

Trish Deans