Mayor Neil Brown has announced Friday 27 September as the official opening of Te Whare Whakatere, Ashburton Library and Civic Centre.

A formal ceremony will be held at 2pm on Baring Square East, with Rangitata MP James Meager officiating on behalf of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

The Mayor said the building was living up to its expectations as the civic and community heart of the district.

“Te Whare Whakatere represents our collective strength as a district and has served its community well during its first winter.”

He said that spring is the opportune time to reflect on the busyness of the past year and getting into the building, despite delays.

“As soon as we moved into the building, we didn’t have time to stop and got straight into making big decisions on the district’s Long Term Plan.

“It will be special to make the time to really thank everyone for the roles they played in this building coming to life”.

Guests at the opening will include iwi Māori, local and central government elected members and officials, and central parties involved with the building project.

The unveiling of a plaque and the installation of the time capsule will be main items in the order of proceedings, as well as performances by the Ashburton Pipe Band.

A road closure application from 12-4pm on Baring Square East has been made by the Council and is being publicly notified until Friday 24 August.