Leeston library to be relocated
Selwyn District Council media release: 26th March 2025
The Leeston Library and Service Centre services will be relocated after recent routine roof repairs and further assessments revealed substantial water ingress issues at the library, and to a lesser extent the Leeston Medical Centre.
The Selwyn District Council initiated a more detailed assessment by a professional building surveying practice to determine the extent of the problem, and discovered that significant water ingress has affected the ongoing safety and habitability of the Leeston Library and Service Centre building on Messines Street.
“The health and safety of our residents and team is paramount, so we have immediately started plans to relocate the library services out of the building, as well as to earthquake-strengthen and remediate the Leeston Medical Centre and Plunket portion of the building,” says Council Chief Executive, Sharon Mason.
Council expects to confirm the new temporary location for the Leeston Library and Service Centre in the coming week, where it will remain until new community facility Whata Rau is completed in 2027.
The Leeston Library and Service Centre will close from end of day Wednesday 26th March, and re-open in its new location in April 2025. While it is closed for relocation, a mobile service will be provided. More details of this mobile service, the new opening date and location will be shared next week.
Mason explains that the services at the medical centre and Plunket rooms will continue to operate, and that Council will work hard to minimise the impact of the remedial work on both staff and visitors.
“We understand the inconvenience that this situation may cause, and we are committed to working closely with the service providers to resolve the matter as quickly and effectively as possible. Our priority remains ensuring a safe and sanitary environment for all occupants,” says Mason.
“We appreciate the patience and cooperation of those affected and will provide further updates as work progresses.”
Mason says that Council wants to ensure that the community has continued access to spaces for activities and events as the services transition to temporary premises, with a range of Halls and Community Centres available for meetings, events and community gatherings.
For those closest to Leeston, venues include:
View the full list of Council Halls and Community Centres in the Selwyn District.
Contact the Selwyn District Council bookings team to book any of these facilities or to learn more [bookings@selwyn.govt.nz or phone 0800 BOOK IN (0800 266 546)].