Help decide the future location of Nelson’s new Community Hub, Library and Civic Space
Nelsonians will have the opportunity to help shape one of the biggest community investments our city will make in a generation – the location of a new Community Hub, Library and Civic Space.
Elma Turner Library and Civic House are reaching the end of their useful lives. Both buildings have ageing systems and increasing maintenance requirements and continuing to rely on repairs and short-term fixes is not viable over the long term.
The three options being put forward for consultation are to redevelop Civic House and the adjoining Savings Bank and State Advances sites, or build a new Community Hub, Library and Civic Space on Collingwood Street or in Church Street. Each option has different costs, benefits and trade-offs.
Council has not selected a preferred option, and wants to hear which location Nelsonians prefer, the reasons for their choice, and what matters most to them.
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith says a combined library and civic hub makes good sense and aligns with the changes to modern library services.
“A single building combining library and civic services is more efficient and will provide a vibrant and flexible hub for our city. The key question for Council on which we are seeking the public’s views is whether we upgrade and expand the existing Civic House or build new on one of two alternative sites.
“It is also an important part of revitalising our city centre. A well-located civic facility can bring more people into central Nelson, support surrounding businesses, strengthen connections between key city destinations and help attract further private investment.
“We are very conscious of cost-of-living pressures and the need to deliver good value for ratepayers. We’re asking Nelsonians to look carefully at the options presented, consider their different implications for the city, and tell us which location they prefer and why.”
The estimated upfront costs are $73.3 million for the Civic House option, $74.1 million for Collingwood Street and $88.2 million for Church Street.
The Long Term Plan 2024–2034 already provides $68.4 million for the project. Because each option costs more than the amount currently budgeted, each would result in a different additional rates impact. The consultation document sets out those rates impacts, along with the long-term cost and key trade-offs associated with each option.
The consultation is focused on determining the location of the hub, which needs to be confirmed before detailed design work can progress.
Deputy Mayor and City Revitalisation Chair Pete Rainey says people are being asked to consider more than the initial construction cost.
“This is more than a building project, this is an intergenerational investment in learning, culture, community connection, local democracy and the life of our city centre.
“Each option would influence the future of central Nelson in a different way. I encourage everyone to consider this consultation with ambition and enthusiasm and consider which location would make the strongest contribution to a welcoming, active and thriving city centre for generations to come.”
Consultation will run for six weeks from 27 July to 6 September 2026. People can provide feedback through Shape Nelson, in writing, or by speaking to their submission at a hearing.
Following consultation, elected members will consider community feedback alongside technical, financial and planning advice before choosing a location and confirming the associated budget for inclusion in the Long Term Plan 2027–2037.
For more information and to have your say, visit the Community Hub, Library and Civic Space page on shape.nelson.govt.nz.
Note:
For an average residential land value of $405,000, the estimated additional peak annual rates impact is:
Civic House: $24 a year
Collingwood Street: $44 a year
Church Street: $71 a year.
These amounts are additional to the Long Term Plan 2024–2034’s existing provision, which peaks at $207 a year (incl. GST) once the building is complete, then drops as the debt is repaid. See the consultation document for the upfront and long-term costs, along with the key trade-offs for each option.
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