Firm base for beginning of new community hub and library

Establishing strong foundations for the landmark building that will become the Kaikohe Library and Civic Hub is underway on the corner of Broadway and Raihara Street.

In the five weeks since construction started in late August, the site has been scraped back, excavated to ground level and then built up with 600mm of compacted gravel and crushed stone to create a well-draining, stable platform for the next phase of construction.

Other work on the site currently underway includes the construction of steel cages for the foundations and structure of the building, drainage, and excavation of the car parking area. The next construction phase will involve installing drainage piping and preparing the building pad for a concrete pour to create the building platform.

This exciting project is due for completion in late 2026 and is estimated to cost $14.6m.

Initial concept plans for the community hub were produced from council consultation with local schools, from community workshops, and hapū engagement. Far North Holdings Limited (FNHL), which is managing the project on behalf of the council, developed the designs further and these were approved by the project steering group in March.

The final design will produce a building that is more than simply a library, with facilities that reflect the contemporary needs of the community. It will include a ‘Maker Space’ area, meeting rooms, a gaming room, recording booth and a café, as well as all the books, magazines and reference materials library members and visitors love to read.

To check out the full design, floor plan, and project background go to our Te Āta Haere – Kaikohe Library and Civic Hub Project webpage.

Te Āta Haere is the name gifted by Te Uri o Hua hapū for this project. The name reflects the importance of taking the time to get something right and references moving with intention, respect and integrity while valuing relationships and good processes. A name will be gifted by hapū for the building itself, closer to construction completion.

Preliminary designs for the multi-purpose facility were first revealed at the State of the Far North Address in November last year.

The contract for the new library and community hub was awarded to local company Henwood Construction Limited (HCL) after a tender process conducted by FNHL.

Far North Holdings Limited is the commercial and asset management arm of Far North District Council. It manages property, maritime and transport assets on behalf of Far North ratepayers and is focused on boosting investment and employment for the benefit of Northland communities.

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