Proposals wanted for running of cafés in new community libraries

Christchurch City Council is inviting proposals from parties interested in providing café services in one or both of its two new community libraries, soon to be constructed at Parklands and Upper Riccarton.

The two new libraries are due for completion in 2005, and will both incorporate a café space to be leased out to a foodservice provider. The provider(s) will be responsible for establishing and operating the new cafés.

Nicki Moen, Manager Community Libraries, says that cafés were incorporated in the design of the new community libraries because customers today want them.

"Integrated cafes (where customers can enjoy their refreshments in the café area or anywhere else in the library building) are the way forward in library design these days. We can already see, at our new community library in South Christchurch, how popular they are with customers, says Moen.

For each café, a provider will be chosen that has a proven track record in café service delivery, and that offers a quality product. The cafés must positively complement activities within their building, their users and the wider community in general.

Proposals need to be received at the Council by noon on Wednesday 27 October. Interested parties should contact Bill Binns at Christchurch City Council on 941 8504 for further information.

Background The library at Parklands is a redevelopment project involving transformation of the former North Brighton Baptist Church building (500 square metres of space, at 180 Queenspark Drive) into a community library. Plans have been drawn by Council architect Crispin Schurr. It is hoped that construction will begin in December 2004, and the library will open in May 2005. The new Parklands library facility is to serve about 10,000 residents in the Parklands area.

The library at Upper Riccarton involves construction of a new building, of 1600 square metres, on a clear site. Warren and Mahoney created its design. It is hoped that construction will begin in early 2005 and the library will open in December 2005. The new library at Upper Riccarton is a joint venture between Christchurch City Council and Riccarton High School, and will serve about 30,000 residents from the Riccarton, Avonhead, Ilam, Sockburn, Wharenui and Wigram communities. The Library will also be the Learning and Information Centre for the Riccarton High School, population of 950 students and 75 staff.

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