Three locations. One Decision.: Nelson City Council
Nelsonians 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.
To read the full Media Release, visit our website at News – Pitopito.
For more information, the consultation document and a detailed breakdown of each option, visit Shape Nelson.
Ways to share your views
Submissions are open from 27 July 2026 to 6 September 2026. Pick whichever way suits you. They all count the same.
ONLINE Submit through Shape Nelson
Go to shape.nelson.govt.nz and fill in the form. You can save it and come back to it later.
IN PERSON Drop in to a session
Drop in at any Nelson library, public meetings, and at the Saturday markets. Find dates and venues at shape.nelson.govt.nz.
IN WRITING Post or email us
Post to Nelson City Council, PO Box 645, Nelson 7040, or email submissions@ncc.govt.nz. You can pick up a paper form at any Nelson library or the Customer Service Centre.
AT A HEARING Speak to your submission
If you want to talk about your submission in person, then please email engage@ncc.govt.nz. Hearing dates will be on shape.nelson.govt.nz.
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