Hub progresses for autumn opening

THE new $5.75 million Queenscliffe Hub is starting to take shape, with panels and steel frames in place.

The project has experienced some delays with COVID-related construction restrictions but the community building, which will house the library, museum and Visitor Information Centre, is on track for an autumn 2022 opening.

Reroofing of the southern end of the library is complete, framing and mechanical work is continuing and 90 per cent of floor joists and plywood sheeting are installed.

Installation of the museum roof is coming up on the works program, with plastering in the library also expected to start soon.

“With major framing work continuing on the Queenscliffe Hub, it’s easier than ever to imagine what this exciting project will look like once construction is complete,” Borough of Queenscliffe mayor Ross Ebbels said.

“We’re looking forward to opening the final project to the tenants and the public in autumn next year.”

The Queenscliffe Hub will bring together educational, cultural and information services, and is expected to offer substantial economic and social benefits for the region when complete.

The design incorporates a flexible auditorium for presentations, events or even smaller group work, and public toilets.

An outdoor courtyard at the front of the building and an outdoor learning space in the rear garden provide opportunities to have meetings or join an activity in the fresh air.

The hub will also provide purpose-built facilities to protect Queenscliff’s heritage including temperature-controlled storage for the museum.

There will be a general storage space and an archive is also humidity-controlled for the preservation of delicate documents, photographs, textiles and other vulnerable items.

The library’s much-loved heritage facade of the library is being preserved as part of the design, which has been developed with the community and the three tenants.

The Queenscliffe Hub project is supported by the federal government, the state government’s Living Libraries Program, Regional Infrastrucutre Fund and Community Support Fund, and the Borough of Queenscliffe.