Cook Brothers Construction has completed the first concrete pour on the $32 million Beckenham Library and customer service hub, which will replace the earthquake-damaged South Library building.

Acting Head of Libraries and Information Rosie Levi said the milestone marked a significant step in the project.

“If you peek through the fence, you’ll be able to see the whole footprint of Ōmōkihi and get your first taste of the scale of what’s going to open in December 2026,” Levi said.

“Cook Brothers has trucked in more than 300 cubic metres of concrete, which comes to 52 truckloads, and laid the first half of the foundation in 11 hours. The second half will be poured in early September. Once the concrete is cured, the next step is for the structural steel to go up.

“The team is moving quickly, and it will be rewarding for the local community to see Ōmōkihi growing and taking shape every day.”

Levi also said the demolition of the old building had seen more than 20 tons of material reused and repurposed.

“Many demolition projects following good practice can repurpose about 50% of material. The team working on Ōmōkihi has managed to divert about 69% of material, which puts this project at the upper end of industry performance.

“That material includes joinery, furniture and carpet tiles for use in the local community. We’ve carted away the concrete to be crushed and used in roading projects, and the metal and glass has been separated and recycled.”

While construction is underway, people can continue to use the pop-up South Library site at Colombo Street and the customer service desk at Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre. The South Christchurch Farmers’ Market will also continue to run during the rebuild.

Once complete, the Beckenham Library will include a learning centre, café, governance spaces and meeting rooms.