Wellington City Library. Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski
Construction work on earthquake strengthening the Wellington City Library Te Matapihi has been complete.
The central city library has been closed since March 2019 after a seismic assessment found it was a threat to life if a serious earthquake occurred.
In 2020, it was decided Wellington City Council would strengthen the building to the highest standard.
Five years later, that work had been complete by construction company LT McGuinness, with Te Matapihi restored to more than 100 percent of the new building standard.
The project had a price tag of $217.6 million and was set to open in March next year after an internal fit out was complete, which would include bringing back the books to the site.
It would be a modern library that celebrated the history of Pōneke and has mana whenua narratives woven throughout, the council said.
Its chief operating officer, James Roberts said the library was redesigned with mana whenua.
"From books to study areas, exhibitions, cultural experiences, maker spaces and school programmes, this will be a place for the whole community to enjoy, engage, and learn."
LT McGuinness project director Jeff McHardy said he was incredibly proud to lead his team towards a successful handover to the council.
"Strong collaboration, as well as early contractor involvement, were key strengths throughout the project to finish the building on time and on budget."
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
