Library shelved…for now

By Lachlan Ellis

A local library was originally planned to begin construction months ago, but delays have pushed the project out to next year, Council says.

Concept plans for the Ballan Library and Community Hub, to be located at 127 Inglis Street, were approved in February, with construction scheduled to begin in May.
However, Council CEO Derek Madden says the project has unfortunately been delayed, for reasons those following recent projects, or doing building of their own, will be familiar with.

“Due to some design delays and the volatility in the construction market, Council delayed the tender process for six months. We have recently invited expressions of interest from builders for construction of the new library and community hub,” Mr Madden told the Moorabool News.

“It is proposed that a shortlist of suitable contractors will be invited to tender for the project in November and assuming a successful tender process, award a contract in early 2024. The budget for the project remains the same, and we are looking forward to realising the project in 2024.”

The $7.25 million project, which Council contributed $2.5 million to, will include 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 will be located at the site of the former Commonwealth Bank, which was purchased by Council in 2021 for $525,000.