Local developers say their plans to transform the former Ashburton Public Library building into a boutique hotel will create a “significant asset” for the town.
CBR Properties director Chris Redmond said the building will undergo a stunning transformation into The Library Hotel.
“There is strong demand for boutique accommodation in the heart of the township for both business and leisure visitors.
“It will be a significant asset to the community, enhancing the town’s hospitality landscape and boosting the local economy.”
CBR Properties purchased the building from Ashburton District Council earlier this year for $1.1 million.
Construction work will commence in early 2025, but they are still going through the planning stages for the around 20-room hotel he said.
Redmond said the plan to renovate the library into a hotel developed after the purchase.
“We didn’t really know what we were going to do with it, but we just thought because we own the land next door it made sense.”
Through another company, the Redmond’s own the property behind the library — 241 West Street — which they had planned to redevelop in 2017, but were halted by the Peter Cates grain store being a heritage-listed building.
The decision to turn the old library into a hotel was the result of seeing the need for more accommodation in Ashburton, especially closer to the centre of town.
Redmond knows of weddings early next year in Ashburton where guests are having to stay as far away as Methven.
“There is some good accommodation in Ashburton but probably not enough.
“It seemed logical to look at doing a hotel. We know it’s been looked at before but on a much bigger scale that probably wasn’t going to work.”
The library site is located on State Highway 1, close to restaurants and bars with easy access to the town centre.
The original structure will be preserved while ensuring it is fully upgraded to modern building standards, integrating contemporary style, and amenities for guests he said.
“The main part of the building will all be kept and the facades will have to be reinstated for the earthquake strengthening.”
The old library infamously leaked, something that will be sorted through the rebuild he said.
The land they own next door includes a car park that will cater to the hotel, with ample parking in the surrounding area he said.
The library building was originally designed by Ashburton architects Thomas and Ward for the Ashburton Borough Council and officially opened in 1967.
The council had deemed it was not economical to earthquake strengthen and upgrade the building, opting instead to incorporate a new modern library with a new administration building.
The council closed it on December 31 as the $62.1m Te Whare Whakatere. The new library and civic centre opened in January.
The Redmond’s purchased the site in May.
Across the road from the old library is the former council administration building which has gone on the market.
Chris Redmond said they have no intention of purchasing the site.