The library construction phase of this urban design project that began with master planning in late 2018 has reached the finish line.
Te Kete Aronui Rototuna Library opened its doors to the public in July of 2023 and as well as traditional library offerings, the space has a range of bookable meeting rooms, an Auaha Makerspace, fully accessible Changing Places bathroom and an on-site café called Chapter One. Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate said the Village and Library are fantastic examples of community-led place-making and have given people who live in the area a place to call their own.
Hamilton’s north-east sector has been part of a growth plan with new transport corridors, residential developments, as well as schools and community facilities. Rototuna Village is a new suburban town centre and example of a “liveable cities” development for the north-eastern growth area.
Our consultant team’s work began with redesign of the urban design plan to optimise strategic relationships between commercial developments, public space, and community facilities (library, village square, skate/play park, aquatic facility, carparking, and adjacent sports park. Boon led the Urban and Community Facility design team working closely with Hamilton City Council Special Projects Manager and our consultant partners. Our team jointly contributed to a comprehensive community engagement programme employing print media, social media networks, and community Q&A events. Our team presented at mana whenua workshops with hapū representatives given opportunity to provide inputs throughout the planning processes. We also presented at public and private stakeholder workshops including private property owners, schools, and age care providers.
Out of this process then came a key component for the new village centre – the design for the new Rototuna Library and Community Hub (Te Kete Aronui). Our team remained “client-side” working with council and key stakeholders to establish a comprehensive Design Brief for the new community facility. BOON TEAM prepared high level concepts, managed budget estimates and developed a comprehensive “Principal’s Requirements” document to facilitate competitive tender for delivery of the Library and Community hub project. Chow Hill were the successful design consultant tenderers and construction partners Livingstone Building Ltd have delivered Te Kete Aronui in its built form.
Photos + video: Hamilton City Council