Where it all started

Here's the back story to this exciting project.

We are redeveloping both levels of the James Cumming Wing, including the hall, to make a new home for the Gore Library and new community spaces.

The project involves gutting the interior of the building and creating contemporary, appealing spaces fit for current and future needs. These spaces will not only accommodate our extensive book collection, but also feature community areas for meetings and activities.

The James Cumming Wing and old library have faithfully served our District for almost 50 years. We now have the opportunity to design and build a solution inclusive and easily accessible for everyone.

Get Involved

Last year we asked for your ideas about what you would like to see in the redeveloped library and community hub. This feedback has influenced the draft designs.

Just go to the tab below to see the ideas, comments and photos we received.

We also held community conversation workshops in August. There was opportunity for further community feedback before the design was finalised.

Location

The reason the James Cumming Wing was chosen for the new library, instead of the former site in the heritage precinct, is the amount of space and its central location. The old library was only 760sqm, whereas the total area of the Wing (ground floor and first floor) is 1,700sqm.

The old library would also need a significant amount of money spent on a new roof.

Funding

Our funding partners for this project are:

• $3 million Government 'Shovel Ready' project funding
• $958,000 Mataura Valley Milk development contribution
• The Council has also set aside $1.1 million in its 10-Year-Plan to re-roof the library. This money may be redirected to this project.

We expect construction work to begin in early 2021 and finish the following year.