Sod turned on Library and Learning Centre
Works on a new contemporary $30 million Library and Learning Centre in Warragul are officially underway.
by Courtney O'Brien
Works on a new contemporary $30 million Library and Learning Centre in Warragul are officially underway.
Yesterday's milestone sod turning marked works beginning on the new community facility. The multi-level facility will feature an exhibition space, a new library, including a children's library, creative lab and spaces for video gaming, reading and studying; creative and cultural spaces, community meeting rooms, co-working spaces, a public terrace area, public amenities such as parents' room and changing facility.
Baw Baw Shire mayor Kate Wilson was joined by Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing as well as community and project partners to formally break ground at the Albert St project site.
Cr Wilson praised the collaboration between all three levels of government, Myli and the community to deliver the project.
"This building will be much more than just a library. It will be a centre point of gathering and connection. A place to grow and learn, a place where everyone is welcome, and where creativity and culture is celebrated.
"We're proud to soon offer our community a state-of-the-art facility that is fully accessible and well connected to the rest of the town. A place where the community can access information, digital tools, and literacy and skill building programs that will create connections and strengthen our growing community for decades to come," she said.
"We're proud to be delivering a state-of-the-art facility that is fully accessible and well connected to the rest of the town. A place where everyone can access information, digital tools, and literacy and skill building programs that will create connections and strengthen our growing community for decades to come."
The Federal Government is contributing $14.5 million to the project through its Growing Regions Program, while the State Government will contribute $4.5 million. Council is contributing $10 million.
"I thank both the Australian and Victorian governments for their continued support and investment in our community. The vital funding is the reason we stand here today and start a new and exciting chapter for our shire," Cr Wilson said.
The mayor also acknowledged Daniel Lewis and the team at Myli for their ongoing support throughout the planning and advocacy for this project.
"Our community deserves a library that they can be proud of and together we are a step closer to turning that vision to a reality," she said.
Ms Shing acknowledged the vital contributions from Myli, the Project Reference Group, designers, planners and council staff.
"Our libraries are places where people can find a million different universes and can connect in so many different ways," said Member for Eastern Region Harriet Shing.
"Long after this job has been finished, we will have families, we'll have people of all ages, from all parts of the region and beyond, who come to this precinct, and who can enjoy something that enables them to be seen, to be respected, and to be included in any number of different ways. There's a lot to be proud of here," she said.Ms Shing said the design of facilities like this was at its best when there was collaboration.
"Projects like this are also not just about the end product, but what we do along the way. There will be about a dozen local jobs created from this project which supports local job opportunities and economic growth and development," she said.
Early site preparation works are continuing ahead of the building's main construction, which is set to begin towards the end of this year.
The facility is expected to open in early 2028.
Local residents and the broader community will be kept informed as the project progresses, including when construction works may result in temporary changes to access, traffic or other conditions around the area.
