The new two-storey library would be built to brought up to speed to modern library standards, and would be constructed with a 5-star green-star rating. While the new library on the Maitai was the recommended option, other options on the table included the redevelopment/renovation of the current Elma Turner Library, along with the exploration of other sites around Nelson. From the hundreds of submissions, although there was strong support on both sides of the debate – the two recurring themes threatening to sink the proposal were the concerns over the $44m price tag, and the uncertainty about the potential for flooding at the site due to sea level rise.