Leeston Medical Centre to undergo essential building repairs
Selwyn District Council media release: 18th February 2026
The Leeston Medical Centre will undergo essential building repairs and earthquake strengthening to support its ongoing use by the local community.
The Selwyn District Council agreed at its meeting on 11 February 2026 to carry out the works to the Leeston Medical Centre and to demolish the closed extension to the building which previously housed the Leeston Library and Service Centre.
The Leeston Library and Service Centre has been closed since March 2025, after a report confirmed the extension had severe weather tightness issues. The report confirmed the building housing the medical centre also required repairs. Wednesday’s decision was important to secure the medical service for the area, Council Executive Director Infrastructure and Property Tim Mason says.
“The Leeston Medical Centre is a critical service for Ellesmere, and we’re delighted to give the certainty that it will be repaired for the community.”
The Council approved an increase of $298,628 to the Long-Term Plan budget of $1.9 million for the demolition of the library section. The construction work is scheduled to take place from October 2026 – June 2027.
The costs of the works to the medical centre will be recovered over a medium to long-term period through the lease as agreed in Long-Term Plan 2024-34.
“We are working hard to balance ensuring our communities have essential services, while being financially prudent. This is a win-win solution, future proofing the building at an achievable cost, while securing medical services for the community,” Mr Mason says.