Strong foundations for new Waihī Beach library and community hub

The new Waihī Beach library and community hub has reached a key milestone with the pouring of its concrete floor.

Western Bay of Plenty District Councillors, Waihī Beach Community Board members, and Waihī Beach Community Centre committee members were on site to witness the pour, celebrating the strong partnership that continues to shape this important community facility.

“Pouring the concrete floor is always an exciting moment — it’s the point where a vision starts to become a physical reality. This marks a solid foundation, not just for the building, but for a space that will bring the community together for years to come,” says Council’s General Manager Infrastructure Group Cedric Crow.

Positive progress has been made to date, with the $5.5 million building on budget and on track to open by July, says Cedric.

The new facility is being built in front of the existing library and community centre, providing an opportunity to create a new shared services model that would give the Waihī Beach community access to services that are otherwise not offered locally, and upgrade the existing facilities offered by the community centre.

This integrated approach ensures both the new and existing facilities work together to serve the community more effectively.

Once completed, the development will offer increased accessibility and a wide range of amenities, including multi-functional spaces and additional meeting rooms, benefiting both library users and community groups.

A collaborative approach continues to be key in creating spaces that meet the needs of a growing and diverse community, says Cedric.

“We’ve worked closely with the Waihī Beach Community Centre Committee throughout, to make sure the renovations and upgrades to their facility are a success. This partnership has been invaluable in ensuring their space remains a key asset for the community.

“With this development, Waihī Beach is not only gaining a modern, accessible facility but also strengthening its sense of community. Through collaboration and careful planning, this project is shaping a space that will serve generations to come.”

Rachael Davie, Council’s General Manager Strategy and Community, says libraries are dynamic spaces where people come together to learn, connect, and collaborate.

“At its heart, this development is about strengthening connections. Modern libraries are places where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to share ideas, gain knowledge, and take part in community life,” says Rachael.

“We’re proud to be delivering a space that will inspire learning, creativity and a shared sense of belonging. The new library and community hub will support not only traditional library services, but also new opportunities for community engagement.”

Caption: Back, from left, Waihī Beach Community Board Member Wayne Stevenson, Waihī Beach Community Centre Committee Members Chris Duncan and Sue Hope, Waihī Beach Community Board Chair Dani Simpson, Councillor Allan Sole, Councillor Anne Henry, Waihī Beach Community Board Member Ross Goudie, Council’s Operations Manager Kerrie Little, Council’s Project Manager Sara Elvin, Hawkins Project Manager Blake Pardoe, and Archistudio Director Kyle Goldsack. Front, Councillor Rodney Joyce, left, and Council’s General Manager Infrastructure Group Cedric Crow.

For more information visit yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz/waihi-beach-library