Geotechnical assessments outside War Memorial Library buildings

The drilling is likely to continue until Thursday 17 October. This work was recommended by the engineers who completed the Detailed Seismic Assessment on the War Memorial Library and will assist us to identify what work is required going forward.

The drilling will involve a sonic rig drilling a borehole in two locations around the outside of the WML building. Each drilling location is expected to take up to two days to complete. The engineers advise that the work is likely to be noisy, and notes that while workplaces near to drilling sites often stay open when assessments of this type are being carried out, it is unusual to have two drill sites and four days of uninterrupted drilling. It is also unusual to do these works alongside public spaces with occupancy numbers of the library’s scale (an average week sees 10,000 people visit WML). Due to the predicted noise and disruption, all events/programmes scheduled at WML from 14 to 17 October have been relocated or rescheduled.

To prioritise people’s wellbeing, WML will close on Monday 14 October. Managers will work with Health & Safety to assess the level of disturbance and noise during that day. At 4pm that day we will make a decision as to whether we can open Tuesday through Thursday and on what basis as it is very likely opening hours and levels of service will be limited due to ongoing drilling works.

It is noted that full spaces, levels of service and opening hours will continue to be available at our seven other community libraries throughout Lower Hutt, and the library website is available 24/7.

The Little Café, known as Fellow Café, will remain open throughout the drilling. The Little Theatre will not be open during the drilling period as any bookings have been transferred to other locations.

For the latest updates go to the Hutt City Libraries website.