Opening in 1956 as part of a planned community centre precinct and World War I memorial, the original library was demolished and redeveloped in 2005.

The square incorporates brick columns and a sunken waka sculpture, added in 2000 and designed by Te Kawerau ā Maki carvers Sunnah Thompson and Rewi Spraggon.

[5] Planned in 1954 by Gummer, Ford and Partners,[6] the first section of this community precinct was opened on 28 April 1956 with the construction of Plunket rooms (these were later relocated), followed by the library in May 1957.

[6] The square was redeveloped in 1974 as a paved facility, that incorporated drinking fountains, seats, trees and an artistic rock mound.

[6] Memorial Square was redeveloped in the late 1990s, rededicated on 11 November 1998, based on a plan by landscape architect Megan Wraight.

Created by Te Kawerau ā Maki carvers Sunnah Thompson and Rewi Spraggon, the artwork represents a sunken waka pointing north, with tōtara inserts marking a diagonal line across the square.

[8] The new building incorporates artworks by Iona Mathieson, Sue Bridges, Te Warena Taua, Graeme Gash, Danny Rollinson and Philippa Crane,[8] and has a permanent exhibition to the New Lynn ceramics industry.