Library of the future’s cost grows

THE price of the Ballarat Library redevelopment is now almost seven million dollars.

Sydney architects Studio Hollenstein were engaged 12 months ago to design the “library of the future” worth $2.4 million, however the project is more expensive after council allocated an additional $4.59 million within the April budget.

Due to upgrades in mechanical equipment, electrical and fire systems, and lift and roof upgrades, the redevelopment is now worth $6.99 million.

The project was recently re-tendered because of these changes, however the same firm was awarded the contract, with original concept designs as their application base.

City of Ballarat deputy mayor Cr Amy Johnson the firm plans to employ a subconsultant team of local contractors and engineers, including Porter Architects and Cardno TGM Ballarat.

“This is a significant point of difference to the other considered submissions, particularly the use of a local sub consultant architect and engineers in the current COVID environment… who can access the site,” she said.

The project was to be completed by the beginning of next year, however the library will now see works throughout 2022. It is expected the new facility will be finished some time in 2023.

An improved entrance, public access to the building’s first floor and a new children’s section are all part of the planned works.

Under the original 2020 plan, the State Government had allocated $500,000 to the works under their Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, while the City of Ballarat were set to inject $1.9 million.

Studio Hollenstein architects have previously worked on a public resource centre project, Green Square Library and Plaza in New South Wales.