History
The
Leys Institute Library opened in March 1905 and the
gymnasium next door opened in 1906.
The Leys Institute Library was gifted to Auckland Council in 1964 after the final trustee of the original trust died.
Why we are restoring the institute
The Leys Institute is an important heritage taonga (treasure) for our
tamariki and
mokopuna.
We are restoring it to:
- ensure the building is earthquake safe
- upgrade the facilities and space
- preserve its heritage.
Design process
To understand the needs of our community, we worked with mana whenua and rōpū (a group) of community leaders including:
Our project partners bring valuable local knowledge to the design process. They include a:
- heritage architect who has a long history with the building
- structural engineering firm experienced in strengthening heritage buildings.
Project timeline
2018
A 2018 investigation shows the building needs restoring to improve safety.
2019
The Waitematā local board approves initial plans to restore the institute. As the buildings are prone to earthquakes, the Leys Institute closes in December due to safety risks.
2020
The
Leys Institute Little Library opens in May at 14 Jervois Road to offer the community temporary library services until the Leys Institute reopens.
2024
On 25 July 2024, the Planning, Environments and Parks Committee (PEPC) approved funding for the restoration project under the Regional Seismic Fund. Visit
Leys Institute to be restored and protected with additional $9.5 million council boost to read more.
We aim to confirm the final scope of the preferred option by the end of 2024.
This involves:
- presenting project details including a timeline to the Waitematā Local Board
- completing project details
- receiving local board approval.
2025
During the first half of 2025, we will work on:
- getting
resource consents
-
conducting asbestos and intrusive surveys
-
protecting and relocating heritage elements and furniture
- heritage assessments.
In the second half of 2025 we aim to:
- get
building consents
- design and detail building services
- produce detailed design drawings.
2026
The procurement stage will include:
- preparing
tender documents
- inviting tenders for the project
- evaluating proposals
- negotiating contracts
- finalising physical works contracts.
We estimate that the physical works will start in late 2026 to 2027 and take around 12 to 18 months to complete.
2028
We aim to reopen the
Leys Institute Library and Gymnasium by 2028.
More information
Once the building work finishes, the library service at Jervois Road will return to the new building.
You will still be able to hire spaces in the new building.
