Moerā Neighbourhood Hub

Creating a fit for purpose, welcoming space that is responsive to the community.

We’re pleased to share an update on the Moerā Neighbourhood Hub.

Following investigation, we discovered that the current Moerā library building has issues with watertightness and needs significant repairs. Due to the state of the current building, we have decided to rebuild it, rather than proceed with repairs.

Early work on designs has given rise to a new idea on how to make the most of this opportunity while also following Council’s approach to resilience and sustainability.

Designs for the new building are being developed based on feedback from the Moerā community and their desire for a building that is flexible, inclusive and welcoming while also connecting to the surrounding community facilities. Having collated these needs via consultation, a new building which offers longevity, resilience and a flexible, larger, open plan design is more sustainable cost-effective option than renovating the existing building.

The existing building will now be replaced with a sustainable, relocatable, Greenstar, purpose-built facility which will operate as a Neighbourhood Hub, delivering a range of services including library services.

There is also consideration to refresh the wider Moerā Reserve where the hub sits, including the public toilets.

While the transition is underway, services including the library and public computers will continue to be provided at a temporary location in the area.

As part of the Moerā Neighbourhood Hub redevelopment, Hutt City Council Parks & Reserves will be upgrading the Moerā reserve that expands out of the north end of the new hub. This will be completed in a phased approach.

The first phase will be developed concurrently with the new hub by Niche Commercial Ltd as part of the overall project, and will include the public toilets, paving and planting in the immediate outdoor area of the hub.

The north end of the reserve will be refreshed later in phase two.

After a successful tender process, Niche Modular Construction Ltd has been awarded the contract to deliver the new Moerā Neighbourhood Hub.

The new hub, located on the existing Moerā library site, will provide a vibrant community space for locals to connect, learn, and play. The facility will feature an open plan space that allows access to vital library services such as library books and other collections, internet access, printers, photocopying and much more. The new hub also offers a fantastic connection to the reserve and playground outside with bifold doors and deck around the north side of the building.

Niche brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the project, having successfully delivered over 100 education spaces comprising of 450 building modules constructed at their innovative modular construction hub in Petone, Lower Hutt.

The construction timeline is being finalised with the new hub expected to be completed by year end.

What's the latest?

A timeline for the pack down and closing of the existing Moerā library has been established. Key dates are as follows:

Removal of excess fixtures, such as shelves and furniture will begin week commencing Monday 17 June. This will happen in the background while the library is open.
The last week of operation in the existing library is 24 – 27 June 2024.
Thursday 27 June will be the last day of service in the existing library. We are encouraging those in the community who want to farewell the building to pop in during that week.
A temporary library site is being established in the Supper Room of the Moerā Community Hall whilst the demolition and build of the new Neighbourhood Hub takes place. This will offer books, internet access, programming, and events.
The temporary library site will be up and running from Monday 1 July. This means there will be no break in vital library service for the Moerā community.