Library plans approved

By Lachlan Ellis

Concept plans for a the Ballan Library and Community Hub have been approved, and are now available for the community to view.

The design, which Council says “responds to the aspirations of the local community, is responsive to feedback gained during the community engagement process and meets budget parameters”, was unanimously approved at the 1 February Ordinary Meeting of Council.

The Library and Community Hub will be located at 127 Inglis Street Ballan, the site of the old Commonwealth Bank, and will come at a cost of $7.25 million, with $2.25 million coming from Council and the remainder from the State Government.

It will consist of a modern fit-for-purpose library, community meeting rooms, visitor information, a Maternal and Child Health Centre, and an outdoor space, including gardens and seating areas.

It’s expected that construction will commence in mid-2023, with completion due in mid to late 2024, following a detailed design and procurement process to appoint a construction contractor.

The design has been released following a lengthy consultation process, which began with Phase One in September – October 2021, followed by Phase Two from 6 May – 13 June 2022.