Grey Library & Community Hub

Major milestone as new library glass installed (24 July 2025)

Cladding is going on and windows are going in, with Greymouth’s new library on track to have the base build completed later this year.

The base build is on time and on budget, with the fit-out to occur in the first quarter of next year.

A specialist crane, used for installing glass, is now on site as the top storey glass goes in today.

When that is done, the building will be weathertight – a major milestone. Grey District Council chief executive Joanne Soderlund said the library was looking great, and had wonderful views of the river.

“We are looking forward to finalising the fit-out.”

The entire top storey is a library, including a café with an outdoor balcony – with panoramic views down the Grey River, and out to sea.

The café will be run by a private, yet to be decided operator. There will be space for interwoven museum exhibits, and a dedicated playground for children, and Lego. In addition, there is a designated space for teens and young adults, meeting rooms and breakout rooms, and quieter spaces.

It will include self-service computers to check books in and out. There will be computers for wider public use too.

There will be a dedicated parents' room to feed a baby in private, with parking spots for prams and buggies.

The West Coast room with Coast history books and archives will remain.


The future of the current library is still to be determined.


I4 July 2025 First window getting installed





Grey District Library Design Finalised: New Library to feature Upper-Floor Café

Thank you to everyone who took the time to take our survey and provide feedback.

The Grey District Council is excited to announce the finalised design for the new library and community hub, shaped by feedback we collected from the community in late 2024.

One of the key features of the new library will be an upper-floor café, taking full advantage of the stunning views over the Grey River and Bar, and providing a quiet, welcoming space for visitors to relax. Throughout the consultation process, many community members expressed a preference for a café space that would complement the library experience while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. The elevated location offers a unique opportunity to create a lounge-like setting where visitors can enjoy a coffee, read, or simply take in the scenery.


Final Concept Design: Artists Impression

Modern Libraries are changing; they're more of a community hub offering a wide range of activities and expereinces. They connect, strengthen. inspire, and activate their communities.

Community-Driven Design: The engagement process provided valuable insights into what the community wants from their new library.
Key themes include:


  1. Adaptable and Flexible Spaces: A mix of reading nooks, study rooms, and multi-purpose meeting and event areas.
  2. Accessibility: Inclusive design for all, including spaces for elderly, neurodiverse-friendly features, plus-size seating, and accessible lift access.
  3. Children and Family-Friendly features: Dedicated children's zones with play areas, puzzles, sensory activities, and toddler-friendly spaces such as change rooms and quiet areas for breastfeeding.
  4. Community and Cultural Engagement: Spaces for local art exhibits, West Coast history, community events, and information areas.
  5. Facilities and Designs: A strong focus on natural light, making the most of the views and comfortable window seating.
  6. Technology and Innovation: Availability of computers, charging ports, self-checkouts, 3D printers, and creative technology spaces.

Major milestone as new library glass installed (24 July 2025)

Cladding is going on and windows are going in, with Greymouth’s new library on track to have the base build completed later this year.

The base build is on time and on budget, with the fit-out to occur in the first quarter of next year.

A specialist crane, used for installing glass, is now on site as the top storey glass goes in today.

When that is done, the building will be weathertight – a major milestone. Grey District Council chief executive Joanne Soderlund said the library was looking great, and had wonderful views of the river.

“We are looking forward to finalising the fit-out.”

The entire top storey is a library, including a café with an outdoor balcony – with panoramic views down the Grey River, and out to sea.

The café will be run by a private, yet to be decided operator. There will be space for interwoven museum exhibits, and a dedicated playground for children, and Lego. In addition, there is a designated space for teens and young adults, meeting rooms and breakout rooms, and quieter spaces.

It will include self-service computers to check books in and out. There will be computers for wider public use too.

There will be a dedicated parents' room to feed a baby in private, with parking spots for prams and buggies.

The West Coast room with Coast history books and archives will remain.


The future of the current library is still to be determined.


I4 July 2025 First window getting installed





Grey District Library Design Finalised: New Library to feature Upper-Floor Café

Thank you to everyone who took the time to take our survey and provide feedback.

The Grey District Council is excited to announce the finalised design for the new library and community hub, shaped by feedback we collected from the community in late 2024.

One of the key features of the new library will be an upper-floor café, taking full advantage of the stunning views over the Grey River and Bar, and providing a quiet, welcoming space for visitors to relax. Throughout the consultation process, many community members expressed a preference for a café space that would complement the library experience while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. The elevated location offers a unique opportunity to create a lounge-like setting where visitors can enjoy a coffee, read, or simply take in the scenery.


Final Concept Design: Artists Impression

Modern Libraries are changing; they're more of a community hub offering a wide range of activities and expereinces. They connect, strengthen. inspire, and activate their communities.

Community-Driven Design: The engagement process provided valuable insights into what the community wants from their new library.
Key themes include:


  1. Adaptable and Flexible Spaces: A mix of reading nooks, study rooms, and multi-purpose meeting and event areas.
  2. Accessibility: Inclusive design for all, including spaces for elderly, neurodiverse-friendly features, plus-size seating, and accessible lift access.
  3. Children and Family-Friendly features: Dedicated children's zones with play areas, puzzles, sensory activities, and toddler-friendly spaces such as change rooms and quiet areas for breastfeeding.
  4. Community and Cultural Engagement: Spaces for local art exhibits, West Coast history, community events, and information areas.
  5. Facilities and Designs: A strong focus on natural light, making the most of the views and comfortable window seating.
  6. Technology and Innovation: Availability of computers, charging ports, self-checkouts, 3D printers, and creative technology spaces.

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  • Why is it necessary to have a cafe in the library thereby taking custom away from the CBD area?

    Rosa asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your interest within the New Build for our community

    It's incredibly exciting for our district to have a brand-new library that’s set to become a true community hub! Including a café in the library isn’t about taking business away from the CBD, especially because the new library is also located in the Central Business District. We kindly ask that people not reflect or assume that this amazing new facility is outside the CBD, it’s right at the heart of it!

    The café is a smart addition designed to generate revenue for the library, help make it self-sufficient, and reduce the financial burden on our ratepayers. This means we can continue to offer outstanding services and maintain this fantastic space without relying solely on public funding.

    We’re not just building a library, we’re creating a vibrant, welcoming space where people can connect, relax, learn, and be inspired. The café will enhance that experience and support the long-term success of the library. It’s a huge step forward for our community and a very exciting moment for our district!

  • Can History House Museum have a final open day before it is disposed of? Does council propose to retain or dispose of the Museum artifacts, including those held in the former Mackay Street site? Regards Chris Geddes

    KiWombat asked 3 months ago

    Thank you for your interest. At this stage we need to move the collection out to catalogue it, as the building is a quake risk. This is being worked through, with work due to start in a few months. 

    We are going to assess what is there, etc, then make decisions after that.

    We hope to display some of the items at the new Library