Dunedin City Council says a redevelopment of the city’s existing archive storage area will ensure the safety of the significant collection.
After concerns were raised about the Council’s existing archive storage area – located in the basement of the Civic Centre – it investigated a redevelopment of the Dunedin City Library’s second floor basement level as an alternative to accommodate the collection.
Council Group Manager Property Services, Anna Nilsen says the initial investigation showed the option was not feasible, as structural strengthening of the upper library basement would have been needed to accommodate the heavy archival shelving.
“We recognise the importance of this taonga, which is why we’re committed to investing in our existing facility to make sure it is fit for purpose into the future,” said Ms Nilsen.
“Instead, we have taken another look at our current facility, and we’re confident a redevelopment there will work.”
Ms Nilsen said the Civic Centre basement was already on a ground-bearing slab, meaning it can cope with higher loads.
“And we will no longer be using the surveyor’s room because we agree stormwater pipes in its ceiling are a risk to our collection,” she said.
“The rest of the facility will be redeveloped to the standard required by Archives New Zealand.”
The project is already in the planning stage and more details, including the cost and timeframe for the upgrade, will be confirmed in due course, Council said in a statement.
