Significant progress is being made toward enabling the proposed Wendouree Library and Learning Centre (WLLC) to become a reality.
The City of Ballarat is proud to announce the appointment of Haskell Architects as the lead designer for the next stage of the project.
Locally-owned architecture firm Porter Architects, which was also involved in the redevelopment of the Ballarat Library, will play an important partnership role with Haskell.
At the same time, preparations are underway for the next phase of community engagement, building on previous consultations and further allowing residents to have their say on what the new facility should include.
The architect will also take an active role in this process to ensure community input helps shape the final design.
The Wendouree Library and Learning Centre remains one of the City of Ballarat's highest priority advocacy projects, listed among the Tier One projects in the Advocacy Priority Projects Pipeline.
Currently, estimated at $23 million, the construction of the WLLC will require significant investment. The City of Ballarat will continue to advocate strongly to both the Federal and State Governments to help fund and deliver this vital piece of community infrastructure.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the appointment of a design architect marked an exciting milestone.
"We are pressing on with the design to ensure the facility is shovel-ready as soon as possible," Cr Hargreaves said.
"We know the WLLC will stand as a beacon of community pride and progress in Ballarat's north. That's what makes it such an important project for all levels of government to support.
"The community's input is also vital, and we encourage everyone to get involved in the engagement process to tell us what they want to see in their new library and learning centre."
Final designs are expected by mid-2026.
About the Wendouree Library and Learning Centre
The WLLC will serve more than 40,000 residents across Wendouree, Ballarat North, Invermay, Miners Rest and surrounding areas.
It is a key initiative under the Libraries and Learning Strategy 2022-2027 and the Community Infrastructure Plan 2022-2037.
More than just a library, the WLLC will be a vibrant hub for learning, connection and community growth.
Located at Weeramar Park on the corner of Gillies and Norman streets, it will replace the current 250m² library at Stockland Wendouree, which lacks capacity and essential amenities.
The proposed double-storey facility is anticipated to include:
- A modern library
- City of Ballarat customer service
- Visitor Information Centre point
- Parent Place services
- Maker space
- Study, activity, and relaxation areas
- Café with free Wi-Fi
It will provide a modern facility, to enable programs and services that support health and wellbeing, lifelong learning and community connection.
About the Architects
Haskell Architects, established in 2002, has a strong track record of delivering practical, high-quality and community-focused facilities across Victoria.
Their portfolio includes the Leopold Community Hub, Altona North Library, and a variety of educational and community spaces.
Notably, Porter Architects, who worked on the Ballarat Library redevelopment and have an extensive list of past projects throughout Ballarat, will be part of the design team for the proposed WLLC facility.
Community Engagement
The City of Ballarat has now launched its largest round of engagement for the WLLC. Community consultation is now open and runs until Tuesday 30 September. Feedback and project information will be available via the City of Ballarat's MySay page. In-person consultation sessions will be held throughout the engagement period.
Additionally, three Let's Chat Councillor Roadshow sessions will be held:
- Cr Jim Rinaldi in North Ward at Miners Rest Community Hall - Tuesday 14 August
- Cr Samantha McIntosh in Central Ward, location to be confirmed - Monday 8 September
- Cr Jay Morrison in Wendouree Ward, location to be confirmed - Thursday 11 September
Previous engagement, conducted in 2022, focused on local library users and residents and resulted in overwhelming feedback that there was a strong community appetite for a new and expanded facility.
The City of Ballarat will build on previously gathered feedback and will be looking to hear once again from people who have previously provided feedback to further shape the designs.
Ongoing Advocacy
The WLLC is one of four Tier One Advocacy Priority Projects for the City of Ballarat - transformational initiatives that drive regional development, job creation, investment, sustainability, and improved social outcomes.
The City of Ballarat remains committed to advocating across all levels of government to deliver this much-needed community facility through a strong partnership model.
