Greerton's new library could become an environmentally sustainable single storey library or with possibly a mezzanine, with a floor area of 900m2 if approved concept plans are to go by.

Tauranga City Council's City Vision Committee last week signed off the design brief known as the principles requirements calling for an environmentally sustainable design using green accredited materials carbon capturing material and natural and led lighting.

TCC councillor Bill Grainger wants to recycle some of the existing library in the new building.

The signed off principles requirements will now be passed on to the three building companies selected for the design/build process.

They will use the information to prepare tenders, which are expected to close sometime in December with the awarding of the contract expected to take place in the New Year.

The principals requirements forms the cornerstone of the contract, and includes input from councillors the community project staff, library staff and external consultants.

The new library will open onto the village green instead of having the front door to Greerton Road as at present. Sheltered and lit access from Greerton Road to the front door facing the village green is part of the requirement.

A requirement is the library design will speak to the atmosphere of the Greerton village and reflect its history - and if councillor Bill Grainger has his way, will include some re-cycled material from the existing building.

Bill has been involved with the Greerton Library project through two councils now, and says he made the recycling call to reduce costs.

'I want if possible in the design and build that they consider using some of the existing building.

'I have a figure of $3.6 million, but if can build it for a lot less I would be very supportive of that.

'I can see many things we could do with the existing building using the basic structure we have there and extending on from that.”

The next step in the process will be evaluating the designs from the three selected parties involved. He won't say who they are.

'It's a bit sensitive at the moment.”

The new library exterior is to be clad in durable low maintenance materials that provide a high level of vandalism resistance and are easy to maintain as far as graffiti removal, servicing of equipment and maintenance cycles.

'There's going to be a lot of glass.”

A preference for internal public areas to have a sense of spaciousness and volume by providing a high stud building with a minimum number of internal roof or second floor supports such as columns and fixed walls.

The book shelving is to hold about 60,000 books, with the aisles about 1m wide to allow for mobility scooters.

The new library will also include a learning centre accommodating 10 workstations, data and power wiring, and wireless internet protocol white board, plus another six more work stations outside the learning centre.

The building is to include a manager's office, staffroom, storeroom and a library meeting room capable of seating about 20 people with access from both inside and outside the library. The meeting room is intended for community groups or business meetings.

Power system is looking to the future with two breakers installed on the power distribution board for solar panels.

There is also to be a children's activity area, a study area with room for 12 and internet area with room for 12 users with provision for power and USB charging for public use.