Newtown’s Chilwell Library has received a $150,000 funding boost towards its planned upgrade.
The City of Greater Geelong has been successful in securing the grant funding from the state government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.
Council’s 2021-22 budget included a $100,000 allocation for design work, while it is expected a further $900,000 for construction will be included in the 2022-23 budget.
DE Atelier Architects has been appointed to work with the Geelong Regional Library Corporation, Friends of Chilwell Library group and community stakeholders in the redesign of the library.
Detailed design will be completed by June with construction to start in September.
Deputy mayor Trent Sullivan said” “We know this upgrade is important for the Newtown community.
“The Chilwell Library is a much-loved community asset that has served its community since 1958.
“The upgrade will provide spaces that will more than double the library’s capacity, enabling opportunities for more diverse programs for all age groups.”
The city had previously flagged its plan to upgrade the library and asked for community feedback late last year, to ensure it remained community-focused but was better integrated with the surrounding park.
The redevelopment complements the City’s planned investments in new libraries in Armstrong Creek, Drysdale and Lara.
Geelong Regional Library Corporation chair Ron Nelson said the investment highlighted the council’s commitment to providing high-quality libraries across the region.
“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,” Cr Nelson said.
Geelong MP Christine Couzens welcomed the government’s funding commitment.
“I know how much the Chilwell library is valued by the local community as a place to meet and to learn,” Ms Couzens said.
“The state government is proud to support this upgrade to provide a modern library facility the community deserve.”
Details: yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/CLR
