Petition against health hub in library

Rosemary Michie (left) and Anita Stanley are putting together a petition asking the council to stop plans to build a new children's health hub and combined library facility. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua library users unhappy with a council proposal to build a shared library and child health facility have started a petition.

The petition was started this week by Rosemary Michie, who was joined by Anita Stanley yesterday, as they gathered signatures outside the library with chairs and a table provided to them by library staff.

The petition states: "We the undersigned residents and library users of Rotorua earnestly request the Rotorua Lakes Council abandon the plans to place a children's health hub in the Rotorua library."

Mrs Michie said she believed the council should not be spending ratepayer money on health services that should be provided by the government.

The estimated cost of the joint project could be as high as $13.8 million, with the council budgeting $5.4 million to $8.8 million, based on cost estimates of the approved concept plan.

The Lakes District Health Board has a budget for the project of just under $4 million, with the rest of the funding coming from other sources.

The council's chief operating officer, Dave Foster, said the project would see a much-needed refurbishment of the library space and a reconfiguration of the building to bring the health board in as a tenant.

"We will also fix long-standing maintenance issues with the roof, ceiling, tiles, carpet and decorations and the third floor will be refurbished.

"The library currently occupies 4400sq m of the building. After the refit, it would occupy 4000sq m, in line with council's future-focused library strategy," Mr Foster said.

He said he was aware of the petition and welcomed its submission.

Mrs Michie said library users were never asked their thoughts on the plan.

"Over the years libraries have changed and now include the internet and all its wonders but still library users go to get books and enjoy other activities.

"The area for library needs is greatly reduced, as is accessibility that I fear local residents will be discouraged from using the library at all."

In the few hours the pair had been asking for support they had already received about 100 signatures.

Mrs Michie said she would be back on December 30, and in the new year, to continue her crusade and would wrap it up mid-January and present it to mayor Steve Chadwick.

To see more information and concept plans for the shared library and child health facility visit www.rdc.govt.nz/our-council/news.