An official opening for Te Whare Whakatere will be next month, nine months after the library and civic centre opened to the public.
It will be on Friday, September 27 at 2pm.
Rangitata MP James Meager will officiate on behalf of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
The district council had been coordinating with the Prime Minister’s office over dates, but Luxon’s recent visit to Ashburton clashed with the district council’s recess in July.
As Luxon is not due back in the town, and the opening needs to happen this year, Meager is stepping up to cut the ribbon.
“It’s always a challenge to align schedules of mayors, councillors and prime ministers, but I’m happy to help open Te Whare Whakatere on behalf of the government,” Meager said.
Initially budgeted at $56.7m, the building was completed with a cost overrun of about 10 per cent. The district council has yet to announce the final cost.
Other guests at the opening will include local iwi, local and central government officials, and businesses and groups involved with the building project.
A plaque will be unveiled and time capsule installed during the opening. Coverage of the opening will be the final addition to the time capsule before it is sealed in place.
To be opened in 2078, it will sit behind a section of tinted glass at a low height along the building’s Havelock St entrance ramp.
– Te Whare Whakatere official opening will be September 27, at 2pm.
