Hawke's Bay's economy is about to get a boost, with local consortium MCLStead appointed to construct Napier City Council’s new library and civic precinct.

The project includes the construction of the city’s new community library hub. This will be a centre of knowledge and innovation that fosters learning and community connection. The project also includes a new meeting space for Napier’s elected representatives, which doubles as a public meeting space when not in use by Council. The refurbishment of Council offices and customer service centre, and development of the outdoor public space surrounding the area also form part of the overall precinct. Work is due to begin towards the end of June.

Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise says up to 300 subcontractors will be working onsite over the next two years.

“We’re using this pivotal project to drive local job creation and economic momentum. Up to 300 subcontractors will be on site over the life of the project. This is about securing meaningful work for local tradespeople, suppliers, and businesses across the region.”

Annette Brosnan, Deputy Mayor and Deputy Chair of the independent Civic Precinct Advisory Board, says the Board and Council have high expectations for the positive community outcomes of the construction contract.

“We’ve taken a careful, community-first approach throughout, starting with collaboration with mana whenua and library users. Collaboration continues with the construction contract awarded to a homegrown joint venture. It means continuity of work for local businesses and strong local oversight of a key public project.”

MCLStead is a joint venture between local companies MCL and Stead. The partnership was chosen after an extensive procurement process, including rigorous due diligence that looked at broader outcomes such as local partnership and employment, as well as price attributes.

MCLStead Director Jeremy Stead says the team is proud to be the lead contractor on the project.

“The directors of MCL Construction and I shared a dream of a joint venture that would keep large construction jobs local. This project was the perfect first opportunity to realise that aspiration, which will result in a long-lasting asset for future generations.”

MCLStead is aiming for 87% of its contract value to be delivered by locally based subtrades and workforce. They will use national suppliers when out-of-region supply and expertise are needed but will enable them to work with local providers for installation. This will upskill the local market and provide further economic benefit to Hawke’s Bay.

“Napier’s civic precinct will transform an area of central Napier into a space that will be a cornerstone of community connection for years to come. Right from the outset this will be a place of learning, inspiration and growth” says Mayor Wise.

“This build is more than just a library. The term ‘library’ over-simplifies our vision for this place. We’re constructing a gathering place that will be a hub for community connection and civic engagement. It will be contemporary, fit-for-purpose, and will offer services that meet our community’s needs in the technological age.”

The precinct also offers opportunities for income generation through third party tenancies and future commercial opportunities.

More information:

Construction costs (excluding contingencies, professional fees, consenting and other costs):
· New library: $27 million
· Council governance and meeting space: $5.5 million
· Refurbished office building: $31 million
· Outdoor public space: $7 million

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