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$10m project planned for new library

Posted on June 19, 2008, 7:07am and updated on June 20, 2008 at 1:56 pm

Mount Gambier City Council is calling for tenders to construct a new $10m library complex, which will be the biggest capital works project it has ever undertaken.

Council decided at Tuesday night’s monthly meeting to approve plans for the redevelopment, the construction of which is expected to be completed within 14 months.

Council has budgeted $10.2m for the new public library and civic plaza, which will join the library to council offices.

“Previously, the biggest capital works project was the city hall and cave gardens redevelopments, which cost around $4m,” Mount Gambier Mayor Steve Perryman said.

“This is a lot bigger in scale and I expect the total cost to be in the vicinity of $9m to $10m.”

Mr Perryman said council was very enthusiastic about the project and saw it as an opportunity to create new community partnerships.

“We’re now at a stage in council to develop and finalise plans so we can call to tender,” Mr Perryman said.

“Builders and construction companies who are interested will return appropriate documents and council will consider the tenders at a future meeting.

“Potentially, in two years we could have a brand new, modern library facility with features that enable the community to use it as an active space.”

Mount Gambier Public Library manager Cathryn Harris said the decision was a great step forward for both the library and for the community.

“I’m really excited about the plans we’ve drawn up, in which we took the best parts of libraries all around the country and combined them in one building,” Ms Harris said.

“A very well known library consultant said to me last week that at this point in time it will be the best library in the country.”

The new design will feature a fully integrated cafe in the middle of the library, an IT suite with 20 computers which can be used as a training room or for general public use, a further 18 computers on the public access floor, a Disneyland-like kids cave, a community meeting space and a youth zone overlooking the park.

“I just can’t wait for everyone to walk in the doors and be blown away,” Ms Harris said.

“I’m already imagining being able to sit in the glassed area overlooking the park, having a coffee, chatting with friends and picking out a book while the kids play on the playground.”

Mr Perryman said the new library was set to be an iconic building, which is why council had requested certain environmental features be incorporated into the design plan.

The building will focus on environmental sustainability, both in construction and capabilities, efficient heating, cooling, energy and power use, and storm water disposal.

“We will be striving to achieve the best possible outcome in those areas to set an example for the rest of the community in terms of planning and construction,” Mr Perryman said.

“Set right in the heart of the city, the new library will be a showpiece for Mount Gambier for many years to come and will set a benchmark for the future of Mount Gambier.”

NIKKI MOTT

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