Finally, after nearly four years, there is some positive action on the future of the Leys Institute Library and Gymnasium.
At its October meeting, the Waitematā Local Board has accepted a recommendation from council to proceed with the final designs for the restoration of the Leys, and to start the resource and building consent process.
Sadly, it’s not the full Option 1 that was chosen by 83% of the public submissions this time last year, when two options were proposed.
Option 1 was developed by the Project Advisory Group, which included heritage experts, council staff, Local Board members, community representatives and library staff. The brief given to the Group was to produce a concept to future proof the library as a community facility fit for the next 30 years.
Option 2 was presented by council staff and was much simpler, merely seismic strengthening the library and gymnasium and dealing with the dangerous rear addition.
Due to the extreme pressures on council funding, as a result of Covid and the January floods, Option 1 as it stands is not affordable at present.
However, the Local Board has voted to proceed with a scaled back Option 1, which would solve the seismic issues and prepare for the possibility of the full restoration in the future, should funds be available.
The Project Advisory Group is being reconvened to work with the Local Board and council staff to further develop a reduced Option 1 without delay.
All parties involved are mindful of the years passing, with these significant heritage buildings deteriorating in front of us.
The Waitematā Local Board has consistently supported the restoration of our beloved library and gymnasium, advocating strongly with council to secure the necessary funding.
Thanks also to the council staff working on the project who have looked hard for avenues to adequately fund the restoration and upgrade.
We look forward to being able to present demonstratable progress in the New Year.
Helen Geary, Friends of Leys Institute co-ordinator
T: 09 376 9411, T: 021 208 7490
helen@geary.nz
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Published: November 2023