Did you know the Matatiki Hornby Centre is located 1km from the previous Hornby Library, the same distance from the current Shirley Library to 10 Shirley Road?
At the 13th June 2024 Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board meeting, during the discussions regarding ‘Item 9. Shirley Community Reserve: Proposed Community Facility’, the following statement was made by a Board member:
“Can’t justify the expense in moving the Shirley Library to the Shirley Community Reserve.“
• The new purpose-built Matatiki Hornby Centre is located 1km from the previous Hornby Library building at 8 Goulding Avenue.
Google Maps Distance: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EetbMHFVhVYbK1819
• The current Shirley Library is located 1km from the Shirley Community Reserve.
Google Maps Distance: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LTGd1FZQJYpUu82t8
Why is the Christchurch City Council able to invest in the residents of Hornby & not the residents living around Shirley Road in Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau?
Why didn’t the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central Community Board advocate for all their residents in the Innes/Central areas during the Christchurch City Council LTP 2024-34, for Council to approve an ‘appropriate new budget’ to build a new ‘Shirley Centre’/relocate Shirley Library & Service Centre, from the Burwood Ward to the Central Ward at 10 Shirley Road, Richmond?
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/christchurchs-forgotten-suburb/
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/location-location-location/
In our local communities, we don’t need a pool included in a Citizen Hub like the Matatiki Hornby Centre, as there are already two pools currently being developed:
– Edgeware Pool, 43A Edgeware Road, St Albans (west of 10 Shirley Road)
https://www.edgewarepool.co.nz/
– Te Oraka Community Pools, 60 Shirley Road, Richmond (east of 10 Shirley Road)
But we do need a new Shirley Library/Citizen Hub in an accessible location, connected to our major bus routes & not in a car park, for all the residents living in the Innes/Central Wards, who are currently without access to a suburban library.
The St Albans Public Library closed on the 29th November 1997, after 130 years of service to the community.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/st-albans-libraries/
The current Shirley Library was built in 1995 & is now 30 years old.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-libraries/
Christchurch City Libraries Asset Management Plan LTP 2024
https://www.ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/Plans-Strategies-Policies-Bylaws/Plans/Long-Term-Plan/ltpdraftAMP2024/Libraries-Draft-Asset-Management-Plan-LTP-2024.PDF
– 2.3 Network Age and Lifecycle Stage: ‘Libraries – Age and Replacement Cost’, Figure 2-3: Age Profile and Replacement Costs. [Page 12]
“In 2050 there will be a number of libraries passing the 50 year mark as they were built in the mid- 1990s to 2000s.
As an asset becomes aged, maintenance costs tend to increase until the useful life of the asset expires.”
This cycle ensures assets are managed cost-effectively to meet community needs, with asset information used to inform decisions about maintenance, renewal, and disposal to maintain service levels and resilience.
– 5.2 Asset Portfolio Value Breakdown, Table x-x: Asset Portfolio Value by Site (as at 1 May 2023) [Page 27]
– 5.3. Libraries Site Summary, Table x-x: Libraries Site Summary [Page 28]
– 5.4. Typical Component Life Cycles [Page 29]
Most Cycles are between 8 – 30 years.
We need Council to invest in a ‘purpose built’ Citizen Hub at 10 Shirley Road, Shirley ‘Community’ Reserve, that provides our communities (Shirley, Dallington, Richmond, Edgeware, St Albans & Mairehau) with the amenities & resources we need.
https://www.10shirleyroad.org.nz/shirley-centre-funding/
Matatiki Hornby Centre | Ngā Kōrero Auaha – Creative Stories
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/library-stories/
The Kings are Hornby locals and watched Matatiki Hornby Centre being built. Now it’s like a second home.
https://vimeo.com/1106287587
“Matatiki is a place where you can find something to do.”
“We like to come to Matatiki to do everything they have on offer here.”
“Having grown up in Hornby all of my life, there’s been times when it’s been a little bit sad that not enough care and attention has been given to the local community.”
“Matatiki is like a brand new shining beacon in the area.”
– Richard
“When I think of Matatiki, I think of a place where all of us can do something…a very inclusive space.”
– Sandra
‘About Matatiki Hornby Centre’
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/matatiki-hornby-centre/
‘Matatiki Hornby Centre – Our Māori name’
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/matatiki-hornby-centre-our-maori-name/
‘Matatiki Hornby Centre timeline’
https://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/matatiki-hornby-centre-timeline/
‘Matatiki Hornby Centre’ flickr Album by Christchurch City Libraries
Matatiki Hornby Centre is a new Hornby library, customer services, and recreation and sport centre planned for the growing south-west community.
Construction of the new centre began in November 2021 and opens 19 April 2024.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/christchurchcitylibraries/albums/72177720309893061/
‘Limitations of a brownfield site overcome to deliver long-awaited community facilities’
Matatiki Hornby Centre is a single-level community hub with a library, pool complex, activities and meeting rooms, café and customer services area.
The facility sits on a former landfill, which posed challenges for our team early in the build when the site settled more than anticipated.
https://www.naylorlove.co.nz/project/matatiki-hornby-centre/
‘A recreation facility to provide a much-needed social hub and encourage more people to get active’
A 40-year community campaign for a public swimming pool in Hornby was finally rewarded in 2019 with the decision to build a $37-million multi-use facility within Kyle Park.
The complex includes two pools, a water play area, library and community spaces along with a Council service desk.
The project aims to form a ‘hub’ for the growing population in the western part of the City with close connections to the adjacent schools and commercial centre.
The site is within a lower socio-economic area and the surrounding neighbourhood has some of the most challenging social conditions in Christchurch.
This area has one of the highest concentrations of crime in New Zealand.
For this reason, CPTED has been embedded into the design process across all phases of the project.
There’s an emphasis on creating a high-quality environment with clear sight lines and well-activated spaces will encourage a sense of community stewardship and safe use of the facility day and night.
https://www.boffamiskell.co.nz/projects/matatiki-hornby-centre
‘Full steam ahead for new Hornby community facility’ | 12 November 2020
The job of building Hornby’s new multi-use community facility is about to go out to the market.
Christchurch City Council has approved the project’s procurement plan, which means the construction can now go out to tender.
“This decision means the project is now locked into our schedule, and that everything is now full steam ahead for construction to start in early 2021. Our aim is to have the facility open towards the end of 2022,” says Mayor Lianne Dalziel.
“This is very welcome news for the community, who have been campaigning for years to have a facility like this to fill the very real gap in library and recreation services in their corner of town.
This new community facility is going to be a good investment in Hornby’s future and will provide work for our local construction sector.”
The Council is investing $35.7 million into the multi-use centre to meet the needs of the growing population living in the south-west of Christchurch.
The facility will be built on the east side of Kyle Park.
An early works package will be tendered first, to get the site prepared starting in early 2021.
The main construction work will be tendered separately, and will get underway in mid 2021.
Architectural firm Warren and Mahoney developed the concept designs for the 4000 square metre Hornby Centre following discussions with the community.
https://www.newsline.ccc.govt.nz/news/story/full-steam-ahead-for-new-hornby-community-facility
‘New pool and library latest Christchurch City Council project to go over budget’ | 15 November 2022
The long-awaited $39.9 million Hornby pool, library and service centre is the latest city council development facing cost increases and construction delays.
Work on the 4000m² Matatiki: Hornby Centre started in November last year and was due to be finished early next year, but the completion date has now been pushed back to late 2023.
Christchurch City Council is blaming supply chain issues, Covid-19 and piling delays for the postponed opening.
The facility, at Kyle Park on Waterloo Rd, is also likely to cost more than its $39.9m price tag, which has already previously increased from the original $34m budget.
The council would not disclose exactly how much over budget the project was likely to be, due to commercial sensitivity.
However, comments made at a recent council meeting made it clear there were problems with the cost.
In response to questioning by councillor Yani Johanson, council citizens and community general manager Mary Richardson admitted there were cost escalations, partly due to groundwork and design.
Johanson said he was concerned the council had already put additional money into the project when others had been tweaked to ensure they stayed within budget.
When asked this week how much over budget the project was likely to be and where the money to cover it would come from, Nigel Cox, the council’s sports, recreation and events head, said the information was commercially sensitive and would not be released.
https://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/130475969/new-pool-and-library-latest-christchurch-city-council-project-to-go-over-budget
‘Council still refuses to release actual cost to build new Hornby pool and library’ | 8 November 2023
The 4000m² facility was originally expected to open earlier this year, but was pushed out to early next year due to supply chain issues, Covid-19 and piling delays.
The cost has also increased from the original $34m budget, to about $46.9m.
The council has refused to publicly release the actual cost to build the facility, citing commercial sensitivity.
It decided behind closed doors in November last year to increase the budget, but would not say by how much.
However, two days later the $46.9m was mistakenly released on page 240 of a 494-page meeting agenda.
The council said at the time, the figure was not “quite correct” and should not have been included in the agenda.
When asked this week what the final figure was, council head of recreation, sports and events Nigel Cox reiterated the $46.9m was “not quite correct”.
He said the figure would be publicly released once there was no longer commercial sensitivity around the budget.
https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/350105833/council-still-refuses-release-actual-cost-build-new-hornby-pool-and-library
‘Christchurch’s newest library to include creative space’ | 27 November 2023
The new library being built at Matatiki Hornby Centre will include a bookable recording space, editing equipment and other creative resources.
Hornby Library is relocating from Goulding Avenue to the new centre, which is currently under construction in Kyle Park.
Christchurch City Council Head of Libraries Carolyn Robertson says the Auahatanga Creative Space is an exciting addition.
“Similar resources at Tūranga, Central Library, South Library and Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre have all been really popular, so it’s great to be adding another location to the Christchurch Libraries network.”
The Audio/Video space will be equipped with professional-grade video, sound and image editing software, and hardware including microphones, sound mixing boards and computers.
“People will also be able to sign up for classes to learn their way around the software, hardware and other equipment so they are qualified to work directly with the technology available.
“If you’ve ever wanted to start a podcast, record a song or learn to make beautiful graphics, this is a great, affordable and accessible place to start or take your skills to the next level,” says Ms Robertson.
Katie Beer, Head of Music at Hornby High School, says students being able to access recording technology in their own community will be “epic”.
“Hornby High School has some wonderfully talented musicians. We do not, however, have any digital or recording equipment,” says Ms Beer.
NCEA Music students are required to create and record music to submit for assessment.
“We do this at a basic level, using student devices. It is not great quality recording, and also does not give students a real experience of recording music. Having a studio over the road will mean we can build recording time into our curriculum,” says Ms Beer.
The Auahatanga Creative Space at Matatiki Hornby Centre will also be equipped with a laser cutter, 3D printer, sewing machines and overlocker, heat press, embroidery machine, and other resources.
https://www.newsline.ccc.govt.nz/news/story/christchurchs-newest-library-to-include-creative-space
‘Date set for Matatiki Hornby Centre opening’ | 23 February 2024
City Council head of libraries and information Carolyn Robertson said the Hornby Library team is gearing up for the big move from Goulding Ave.
The Goulding Ave library will close on Thursday, March 28, for the shift.
Hornby city councillor Mark Peters said the opening will be “a landmark day for Hornby”.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing the Hornby and southwest Christchurch communities having ready access to this fabulous indoor aquatic centre, customer services hub, and a great, modern library.”
The Matatiki Hornby Centre pool complex also includes a lane pool, learn-to-swim pool, family spa pool, and toddlers’ wet play area.
It also has the Auahatanga Creative Space, which includes resources like a laser cutter, 3D printer, audio/visual recording equipment, and sewing machines.
The library will have 12 public computers.
The 4000m2 site includes a café, bookable meeting rooms and outdoor courtyard.
https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-christchurch/date-set-matatiki-hornby-centre-opening
‘Grand opening for Matatiki Hornby Centre’ | 15 April 2024
Christchurch’s newest pool and library is opening on Friday, April 19, at Kyle Park in Hornby.
Serving the greater Hornby area, the Christchurch City Council-operated community facility, Matatiki, includes indoor pools, a library, customer service desk, cafe, and courtyard area with a stage and outdoor seating.
Located at 25 Smarts Rd, the site is a short walk from the Hub Hornby and Hornby High School.
“The centre is going to be absolutely amazing for the community in Hornby and surrounding areas,” says council head of recreation, sports and events Nigel Cox.
“With multiple amenities in one location, Matatiki will be a one-stop shop. Drop the kids off at their swimming lessons, register the dog, pick up a new library book, and grab yourself a snack at the café all in one visit.”
The new Hornby Library, which has shifted from its previous home on Goulding Ave, includes a creative activities space, 12 public computers, printing and photocopying facilities, as well as free wifi internet access.
Acting head of Christchurch libraries and information Erica Rankin says the creative resources on offer open up possibilities for people to try something new.
“Matatiki has an audio/video space equipped with professional-grade video, sound and image editing software, and hardware including microphones, sound mixing boards and computers. People will also be able to sign up for classes to learn their way around the software, so they are qualified to work directly with the technology available,” says Rankin.
There is also a laser cutter, 3D printer, sewing machines and overlocker, heat press, embroidery machine, and other resources.
https://www.odt.co.nz/star-news/star-sponsored-content/grand-opening-matatiki-hornby-centre
’13. Matatiki Hornby Centre Close-out’ Report | 27 August 2025
Christchurch City Council Finance and Performance Committee
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2025/08/FPCO_20250827_AGN_8625_AT_WEB.htm
– 3.1 In 2017, the Council approved a combined ‘co-located’ configuration for the Hornby Library, Customer Services Hub, and Leisure Centre. The co-location of facilities provided opportunity for integrated services. This provided the basis for the development of the Matatiki Hornby Centre.
– 3.2 The Project Team consulted and worked closely with the community and the Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board, along with Council’s Libraries, Customer Services, and Recreation Sport and Events units to develop the scope and core functional requirements of the project.
– 3.3 The location and scope were confirmed by the Council in September 2019, with the concept design and updated cost estimate approved by the Council in October 2020. Additional budget for a hydrotherapy pool was agreed to by the Council in January 2022 which included a commitment from the community to fundraise for its inclusion. Further cost escalations were discussed with the Council in a public-excluded meeting in November 2022.
– 3.4 In August 2022, the Waipuna Halswell-Hornby-Riccarton Community Board accepted the name Matatiki, which was gifted, along with a narrative, by Ngāi Tūāhuriri for the facility. The cultural artwork incorporated in the facility design was done through Matapopere, who were engaged in December 2020, and again in November 2021 and February 2022.
https://christchurch.infocouncil.biz/Open/2025/08/FPCO_20250827_AGN_8625_AT.PDF
– Background [Page 361]
Due to population growth, planning for both a new library and new leisure facilities (including swimming pools) for the south-west area of Christchurch commenced in the 2000’s…
A building including a library, service centre, and leisure facilities was therefore
required in the south area of Christchurch.
Council made a commitment to make its facilities accessible for its residents, however at that time, this strategic objective was not being satisfied for a significant number of residents within the Hornby / Southwest Christchurch community.
As such, a decision was made to construct an integrated Library, Customer Services Hub and Leisure Centre within the area.
– Plans and Strategies [Page 361]
The ‘Libraries 2025 Facilities Plan’ was a framework to guide the future development of the Christchurch City Libraries network through to 2025.
The Plan noted the need for a new modern community facility in Hornby and the opportunities for co-location of facilities.
Council’s ‘Citizen Hub Strategy 2015’ outlined a shift to integrated service delivery arrangements whereby Council’s services are grouped together in convenient locations for citizens to access.
In 2017, the Council approved a combined ‘co-located’ configuration for the Hornby Library, Customer Services, and South West Leisure Centre.
The co-location of facilities provided opportunity for integrated services. This provided the basis for the development of the Matatiki Hornby Centre.
– Project Benefits and Community Outcomes [Page 363]
a) Objective: To provide a Library and recreation and sport centre that meets the identified local needs of the Southwest community.
a) Comments: The success and high patronage of this building demonstrates that the community needs have been met.
b) Objective: Reduced barriers to participation in aquatic, learning and civic activities.
b) Comments: The facility has been designed to be welcoming of all members of the community of varying ages, background, ethnicities and physical ableness.
Programmes and classes have also been curated to build on reducing these barriers.
c) Objective: Allow opportunities to be with others through provisions of safe, inclusion, welcoming and inspiring spaces.
c) Comments: As with reducing barriers, the building has been curated to be approachable and welcoming. The spaces and programmes included within enhance opportunities for human connection, whether this is bonding over the creation of 3D printed items, through a knitting class or participating in an aqua fitness class.
d) Objective: Providing equal access to multi-purpose spaces that offer learning, relaxation and creative opportunities.
d) Comments: The facility includes a creative room, meeting rooms, AV spaces and pool facilities to all.
– Lessons Learned [Page 367]
A lessons learned process was completed in June 2024 with key feedback to be implemented in future establishment projects.
A survey was completed for all team members who had been involved in the planning, development and opening of the centre. The responses were compiled and group sessions facilitated to dig deeper into how we could do things better in the future.
• Item 2. ‘Fit out’ Workstream: Increase consultation with frontline staff during the decision-making process and then update them on decisions that will impact their role. Avoid assuming staff have already provided input; actively circulate information to ensure everyone is informed.
• Item 3. ‘Fit out’ Workstream: Encourage teams to identify storage needs early on, this should inform a comprehensive storage plan. Determine where storage units will be fixed to walls and consider restraints for seismic safety.
• Item 4. ‘Fit out’ Workstream: Obtain visuals or 3D walkthroughs from architects to help operational teams understand the layout and usage of each room.
Recognize that not everyone can read architectural plans, and more information may be required.
– Lessons Learned [Page 368]
• Item 6. ‘Fit out’ Workstream: Have a contingency budget for additional equipment, especially for larger rooms that can be utilized in different ways. Allow for last-minute walkthroughs to assess spaces and order additional equipment if needed.
• Item 7. ‘Fit out’ Workstream: Consider window treatments earlier in the process to avoid last-minute decisions. Address concerns about frosting size; communication with artists should be clear. Evaluate how these may impact other teams and ensure effective communication about decisions.
• Item 11. ‘Operations’ Workstream: Create a centralized location on the Hub for all facility documents, SOPs and training info.
• Item 12. ‘Activations & Community Engagement’ Workstream: Implement regular check-ins with mana whenua to maintain a consistent relationship. Assign a dedicated contact person to facilitate communication.
• Item 13. ‘Activations & Community Engagement’ Workstream: Develop a way to accurately track stakeholder engagement and the conversations being had across the unit. One way to do this could be to hold monthly meetings to discuss who is engaging with the community.
• Item 14. ‘Activations & Community Engagement’ Workstream: Provide clear information about what the facility space entails. Many community members may not be aware of new concepts, such as the Creative space.
• Item 15. ‘Activations & Community Engagement’ Workstream: Be proud and confident in the services offered. Extensively advertise them from the outset. To do this, staff will need information on activations as early as possible.
• Item 16. ‘Activations & Community Engagement’ Workstream: Continue promoting services even after the facility opens. Utilize digital signage near the facility.
– Lessons Learned [Page 369]
• Item 17. ‘Activations & Community Engagement’ Workstream: Consider forming a community working party. This group would bring together leaders from different community areas to hear about the project and provide input.
• Item 19. ‘IT’ Workstream: Set up systems early to provide training and build staff confidence. Ensure that emergency response systems are thoroughly tested before facility opening.
• Item 20. ‘IT’ Workstream: Consult staff who understand service delivery needs in the planning process. Ensure that data aligns with current and future requirements.
• Item 21. ‘IT’ Workstream: Enhance communication with the IT Team. Understand decision-making processes and communicate changes effectively. Part of this is clarifying roles and responsibilities for IT installation—whether handled by internal IT or external contractors.
• Item 22. ‘IT’ Workstream: Involve the IT team from project inception. Encourage ownership of tasks and alignment with project goals. Encourage their participation in the wider commissioning plan so that there is wider understanding across areas.
• Item 24. ‘Marketing & Communications’ Workstream: Invest time and resources in educating both staff and the public about the cultural narrative of the facility. Share stories behind room names to create a deeper connection.
• Item 25. ‘Marketing & Communications’ Workstream: Ensure the facility’s website serves as the catchall place for all information, including recruitment and notices.
• Item 26. ‘Marketing & Communications’ Workstream: Distribute content and collateral to local schools and community groups. Share information about the facility’s opening and activities. Create a buzz within the local community.
Try to reach a wider audience, including commercial partners.
– 6. Policy Framework Implications [Page 378 & 379]
• Strategic Alignment:
6.1 This report supports the Council’s Long Term Plan (2021 – 2031):
6.2 Communities and Citizens
6.2.1 Activity: Citizens and Customer Services
6.2.2 Activity: Libraries – Level of Service: 3.1.2.5 Maintain visits per capita of national average or better, per annum, for level 1 New Zealand public libraries
6.3 The project supports the resilient communities, liveable city, and prosperous economy community outcomes in Council’s 2020 Strategic Framework.
6.4 The project supports Council’s Citizen Hub Strategy 2015.
• Accessibility Considerations:
6.11 Matatiki: Hornby Centre is designed as an inclusive and accessible environment for all. The building exceeds the New Zealand building code requirements for accessibility.
This approach aligns with Christchurch City Council’s Equity and Access for People Policy.
6.12 During the design process, the design team included an accessibility consultant, and we formed a separate advisory group of accessibility group representatives to inform the design. The Disability Advisory Group have received several briefings on the project.