New Library, Art and Information Centre, Te Ramanui, takes shape

Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga, South Taranaki's new library, art and information centre, has started to take shape with key elements of the structure having sprung up over the last four weeks.

South Taranaki District Council project co-ordinator Phil

Waite, says progress is noticeable with eighteen pre-cast tiltslab concrete panels having been erected along the eastern boundary wall, and 10 of the structural steel frames made by Hāwera engineering firm Croucher and Crowder, erected on the western side.

“The focus over the next month will be the delivery and assembly of more structural steel elements, such as roof trusses, as well as installation of the remaining concrete tilt slab walls,” says Waite.

Once the building is finished around 80,000 kg of steelwork and reinforcing steel will have gone into the project and approximately 380 cubic metres of concrete.

South Taranaki Mayor Phil Nixon says the long-awaited project is a key part of the Council’s post-COVID economic growth and Hāwera town centre revitalisation strategy.

“The new facility will transform the town centre. The modern, multi-functional, community facility will provide residents and visitors to the District with a wide range of services, information, cultural and educational resources. These include a library, art gallery, i-site visitor centre, café, and public toilets.

Te Ramanui o Ruapūtahanga, will not only be a community and visitor hub, but it will also be a catalyst for driving change, creating economic stimulus and increasing investment in the town centre.”

To date almost $7 million in external funding has been secured for the project with major contributions from the TOI Foundation ($2.8 million) and $4 million from the Government’s Kānoa – Regional Economic Development and Infrastructure Investment Fund.