The National Library has announced an extensive building redevelopment in Wellington in concert with leading architectural practice Warren and Mahoney. Work on the building is expected to start towards the end of 2009 and be completed by late 2011.
"The New Generation National Library of New Zealand will be a library that never sleeps. A place where access to New Zealand's documentary heritage inspires new ideas and leads to the creation of new stories and knowledge. A library for all New Zealanders to connect with, wherever they are."
Penny Carnaby, National Librarian and Chief Executive
Prime Minister Helen Clark and the Minister Responsible for the National Library, Judith Tizard, announced today a major investment in the redevelopment of the National Library of New Zealand.
The redevelopment project involves capital spending of $69 million over five years (of which $18 million has been previously allocated), with the project due for completion in late 2011.
"The redevelopment will open up and expand the building, making its valuable heritage collections more accessible to the public, and creating almost 4000m² of additional storage and exhibition space," Helen Clark said.
"The National Library's collections are estimated to be worth $1billion. They include material such as journals and notebooks of Katherine Mansfield, Sir Apirana Ngata's papers, and a diverse range of books, cartoons, paintings, photographs, and sound recordings. It also houses the Alexander Turnbull Library.
This development is a major milestone in the history of the National Library. A 21st century library for the digital age will be created," Helen Clark said.
The redevelopment will provide controlled storage environments, which meet international preservation standards for collections, and will enhance research space and facilities.
"The Library's collections are the nation's richest and most valuable heritage collections, as well as being a vibrant hub of contemporary knowledge. They deserve our attention and investment in how they are preserved and presented," Judith Tizard said.
"The redeveloped Molesworth Street building will be built on the existing structure. It will maximise use of public space in the parliamentary precinct, add space for exhibitions and digital services, and incorporate environmental sustainability features," Judith Tizard said.
Work on the building is planned to start towards the end of 2009 and be complete by the end of 2011. The National Library will ensure that its collections continue to be available during the redevelopment.
Design objectives for the building redevelopment
* Increase the level of accessibility of the building and its contents to New Zealanders and the international community
* Increase the quantity and quality of archival space, allowing greater capacity for the building to protect and preserve valuable collections
* Increase the building's internal legibility
* Increase the visibility of and access to the Alexander Turnbull Library
* Recognise the place of Māori and New Zealand's place in the Pacific and the world
* Use an environmentally sustainable design.
Features of the building redevelopment
* More exhibition and collections space, with an additional 3965m2 of space
* Updated controlled storage environments that meet international preservation standards
* More prominent presence for the Alexander Turnbull Library
* Enhanced research spaces and facilities
* Interactive spaces for digital access to collections
* 3D and multimedia experiences
* Improved environmental footprint, incorporating innovative and leading-edge environmentally sustainable features
* Create a more multicultural presence, using external and internal design features to additionally recognise the place of Māori and New Zealand's place in the Pacific and the world
* Five-storey high atrium to showcase the building's valuable collections
* Low-energy design elements including natural ventilation, ground source heat exchange, rain water harvesting, use of bio or alternative fuels.
text sourced from www.natlib.govt.nz
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