There are clearly some building safety issues to be attended to, but there is a vast discrepancy between the written report done by Engineering Consultants GHD Ltd for Auckland Council (AC), and what has been verbally reported by AC (based on the GHD report) to the press and public, in an attempt to justify the immediate closure of the building. This discrepancy is of grave concern.
Of further concern is Auckland Council’s comments that there are many options for the property including, being sold off for private development. This was never the intention of the Leys family or of Auckland Council at that time when the Leys family funded, built and gifted to the people of Auckland the building, on donated Auckland Council land. The agreement between the two parties states "THE ALLOTMENTS ... ARE NOW AND SHALL AT ALL TIMES HEREAFTER BE HELD BY THE CORPORATION (AC) FOR THE PURPOSE ONLY OF AN INSTITUTE IN THE NATURE OF A FREE LIBRARY AND MECHANICS INSTITUTE".
If you share these concerns and would like to have your voice heard, or just wish to show solidarity with other, like-minded residents over the future of this important community facility, then please be advised that there will be a gathering of concerned citizens and supporters of the Leys Institute on Wednesday 26 February at 10:30 am outside the Institute itself, come rain or shine.
This gathering will be an informal, low-key affair (although placards, I am told, will be on hand, should you feel the urge for one). It has been organised by members of the Leys Institute Library's Book Chat Group, and is open to all who take an interest in the long-term viability of the Leys Institute as an historic landmark and a public asset that contributes invaluably to the social cohesion and general well-being of the community it serves.