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Work on Strengthening Library Chamber Gallery Gets Under Way

January 17, 2012

Work on strengthening and restoring the Rangiora Public Library’s Chamber Gallery began on Monday 16 January.

The Gallery was closed due to concerns about the stability of the north and south walls at the beginning of June 2011. The closure affected the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and the Library’s public meeting room.

The lime mortar, used when the building was constructed in 1907, has softened considerably over the years and consequently its strength in holding the wall together has diminished. Waimakariri District Council engineers had deemed that the capacity of the brick walls to resist north/south earthquake movement was significantly reduced.

Fencing was erected around the exterior of the old library to prevent public exposure to the risk of falling masonry. Fortunately, despite the shakes that the region has sustained, the walls have held firm while the Council has searched for a permanent solution.

Restoration work began yesterday (Monday 16 January) with the removal of bricks and reconstruction of the north wall. The bricks will be cleaned and removed from the site for safe storage. Much of the concrete will be crushed and sent to the EQR hardfill area in the city. The timber floor will be covered with ply to protect it during the construction period. Interior skirtings and trim will be salvaged where possible for use in the reconstruction. Libraries Manager, Mrs Phillippa Ashbey, said that “the stained glass dome and detailed cornicing are lovely features of the original building and these will be preserved”. The input of the Historic Places Trust has been sought and all efforts will be made to restore the building to its former glory.

The strengthening project will take several months. Ashbey said that “the Rangiora Library will remain open to the public throughout”. She is delighted to see the work begin and is looking forward to the day when the Chamber Gallery will reopen for public art exhibitions and music concerts and the community facilities are restored.