Have your say on Chilwell Library redevelopment

THE City of Greater Geelong is seeking community feedback on the design principles and concept plan for the redevelopment of the Chilwell Library.

Together with the Geelong Regional Library Corporation (GRLC) and The Chilwell Library Group, the city aims to deliver an upgraded facility that is responsive to the needs of the local community now and into the future.

The redevelopment is focused on making sure Chilwell Library remains an intimate and community-focused facility while improving integration with the park and delivering valuable new community meeting spaces and toilet facilities.

The city has allocated $100,000 in its 2021-2022 budget for design along with another $900,000 investment earmarked for 2022-23 for construction.

Extra funding for the project is being sought from all levels of government, including an application by the city for a Living Libraries minor grant.

Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher encouraged the community to have a say on the exciting plans for the highly valued community library.

“We know this upgrade is important for the Newtown community, and council was proud to allocate funding to the redevelopment of the library,” she said.

“We have worked closely with the Geelong Regional Library Corporation and The Chilwell Library Group to develop a set of design principles which aim to strengthen the library’s connection to Sladen Park as well as expanding and upgrading the facilities.

“We want to hear from community members on whether the design principles reflect the views of the broader community and if the concept plan is on the right track.”

The Chilwell Library has served the community since 1958, and the redevelopment is supported by the city’s Social Infrastructure Plan 2020 and the Geelong Regional Library Infrastructure Development Plan 2019.

Brownbill Ward councillor Peter Murrihy said our local libraries are at the heart of our communities and welcomed the opportunity for library members, visitors, residents and other interested community members to comment on the plans for redevelopment.

“The Chilwell Library is a much-loved community asset that facilitates engaging library services and vital social connections.

“The upgrade will provide meeting spaces that will more than double the library’s capacity, enabling opportunities for more diverse programs, activities and events for all age groups.

“Libraries are an integral part of our communities; they help encourage a lifelong love of reading and learning, support people to develop new skills, develop digital literacy, access support and information, and meet people.”

The online survey is open until January 31 at the City of Greater Geelong’s website.

Community members can also register their interest in attending further engagement activities on the redevelopment.

Anyone who would like assistance completing the survey is invited to phone the city on 5272 5272.