New library and tiered carpark in Civic Precinct masterplan

A new state of the art library is part of a $15 million vision to kickstart a civic precinct redevelopment in Warragul.

A library and art gallery and theatre spaces, council chambers, offices and car parking are all features of the Civic Precinct Masterplan adopted by Baw Baw Shire last week.

While costings on each stage of the masterplan have not been undertaken, the first stage, incorporating a new library and learning space, is expected to cost $15.1 million.

The project is currently listed in council’s draft long term infrastructure plan for delivery in 2022-23 and 2023-24 financial years.

It is expected the project will be largely funded by state and federal funds and $5 million in council borrowings.

It is proposed the library will be located east of Civic Park with Albert St frontage on an old house site.

A 2000 square metre, multi-level library is proposed with café, gallery, working space and toilets.

A “refresh” of Civic Place to enable the area to better host community events such as markets, also is included in stage one.

Stage two of the masterplan is a tiered car park and plaza entry while stage three will be additional theatre spaces followed by civic accommodation and facilities in stage four.

Cr Joe Gauci said the short-term vision identified the need for a new library and car parking.

“We are showing the community that we are serious about this and we want it to be a focal point of our central business district.

“We now have to do the planning to get the money,” he said.

Cr Gauci said if the external funding was not forthcoming, the development would not proceed.

Cr Danny Goss said council was not voting for a new library, but for a masterplan.

“It’s a set of ideas of what might happen.  This is not a vote for a library,” he said.