Library changes checked out

STATE Minister for Local Government, Melissa Horne, visited Ballarat Library for a tour of the site in anticipation of its upcoming overhaul on Tuesday.

Part of the project’s funding is through the State Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, and Ms Horne said the facilities are a key part of any city.

“We know the importance of a library in a major regional town and that’s why we’re delivering high-quality facilities that the community needs and deserves,” she said.

First announced in 2019, the library’s overhaul aims to integrate the site with the nearby Gov Hub, Civic Hall and the winder CBD.

The works will include a second-floor teaching space, a children’s section, social space, and performance area.

Nearly $7 million has been allocated to the project with the City of Ballarat spending nearly $4.6 million in April, 2021, alongside previous instalments adding to $2 million.

Sydney-based Studio Hollenstein were assigned to design the project in 2021 and work is expected to begin in October.

The library will be closed during its 12-month construction period, with a temporary location set up.

Contracts for the development went to tender earlier this month and will be open until Thursday, 11 August.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said it was great to showcase the library to Ms Horne prior to the impending renovation.

“We were able to do a tour of the library which is about to go through this incredible development of almost $7 million to re-orientate it so that it ultimately faces in toward Gov Hub and Civic Hall,” he said.

“It’s going to be this incredible space that’s really going to transform the heart of the city.”