The path to constructing Ashburton's new Library & Civic Centre has taken an important step forward, with the Council today approving the procurement plan ready for tenders to open on Monday 12 October.

The plan sets out how the Council will manage the procurement process for the construction tender from start to finish and includes evaluation criteria.

Council Chief Executive Hamish Riach says significant work has gone into developing the procurement plan to ensure the Council achieves a quality facility that is built to budget.

"We have now reached a really critical part of the Library & Civic Centre project. When Council awards the construction tender, the successful contractor will be transforming years of vision, planning and consultation into the final product that will serve this district for the next 50-plus years.

"We have developed a thorough and detailed procurement plan that ensures we are following a robust process when tenders open next week. It will be instrumental in helping Council to select the right tenderer for the job."

The tender will be open from 12 October until 20 November, with the expectation that the successful contractor will be able to start work in December.​