After nearly 4 years, there is positive action on the Leys Institute Library and Gymnasium. At its October meeting, the Waitematā Local Board accepted a recommendation from Auckland Council to proceed with the final designs for the restoration of the Leys, and to start the resource and building consent process.

It will not be a full Option 1, submitted by 83% of the public and developed by the Project Advisory Group, which included heritage experts, council and library staff, local board members, and community representatives. This option was to future proof the library as a community facility fit for the next 30 years.

Option 2 was presented by council staff and involved merely seismic strengthening the library and gymnasium and dealing with the dangerous rear addition.

The local board has voted to proceed with as many of the features of Option 1 as the budget will allow. They have consistently supported the restoration of the library and gymnasium, advocating strongly to council to secure the necessary funding.

An update has been submitted to Ponsonby News for its November issue.