Having potentially faced closure twice in the past decade, Chilwell Library is now undergoing a multimillion-dollar redevelopment.
The much-loved library in Sladen Park, Newtown, closed on Sunday, June 29 in preparation for the beginning of construction on July 7. The library is expected to reopen in mid-2026.
The $2.5 million project, funded by the City of Greater Geelong with a $150,000 contribution from the Victorian government, will result in a bigger facility with community spaces, meeting rooms, an outdoor deck and improved amenities.
The commencement of works on the library marks a significant step in the ongoing story of the library, which has undergone a tumultuous eight years.
In April 2017 the Geelong council announced Chilwell Library, along with libraries in Highton and Barwon Heads, would be closed due to changing demographics and low usage.
Public outcry resulted in the council backtracking its decision, opening community engagement on the potential redevelopment of Chilwell Library in 2021.
However, budgetary constraints in 2023 saw the library once again on the chopping block, as the council put pressure on Geelong Regional Library Corporation (GRLC) to reduce expenditure by more than $1 million.
Once again, community backlash ensured the library remained open, with funding for the redevelopment approved in the City’s 2024-25 to 2027-28 budget.
GRLC chief executive Vanessa Schernickau said libraries were “very often the heart of a local community, and that is especially the case with Chilwell Library”.
“The community embraces the library for everything from early literacy programs to tech help to browsing our vast collections, or sometimes simply a welcoming place to connect with others,” Ms Schernickau said.
“We’re grateful to the City of Greater Geelong and the state government for funding this redevelopment and can’t wait to see the new space.”
Chilwell Library Group member Lynne Dowling said the start of construction marked eight years of work to retain and improve the library.
“Our members have been strong representatives of the former City of Newtown,” Ms Dowling said.
“The mother of Dorothy Trezise, our oldest member, was Zillah Crawcour, the first female mayor of Newtown.
“Jan Laidlaw was the second female mayor of Newtown. Over many years these women, and our other members, have continued to work for the benefit of the community of Newtown and Chilwell, and continue to do so.”
Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said Chilwell Library was a “cherished local hub”, with the redevelopment ensuring it continued to “serve the community for generations to come”.
“It was important that we worked closely with GRLC and Chilwell Library Group to design a welcoming space that meets the needs of the community,” Mayor Kontelj said.
