Council is inviting the community and local businesses to attend upcoming project sessions to hear about the proposed concepts and timeframes of the GIL Library Hub project.
Mayor Doug Batten says that as the project progresses, he encourages the community to hear about the project and its elements, and ask any questions you may have.
"The GIL Library Hub is a major project for Gilgandra, being located in the CBD it will become a key focal point for locals and travellers alike. I strongly encourage the community and businesses to make the most of the upcoming project update sessions as the project evolves."
"It is an exciting project in not only developing the GIL Library Hub, but a further concept has emerged following project design meetings, Councillor workshops and community feedback to upgrade the adjacent plaza space. Ideas raised have included more greenery, shade and seating in our main street along with opportunities for bringing people to stop, stay and enjoy Gilgandra."
"With additional funding avenues being pursued by Council, the aim is to connect the internal and external areas to achieve an amazing, open and modern space in our CBD. Council is committed to delivering activation of the main street and projects that bring new initiatives into the main street" says Mayor Batten.
The proposal to upgrade the adjacent plaza space, includes the rebuild of the public toilets into the design of the GIL Library Hub. This allows for the main entry to the Hub to be from the plaza side and the plaza opening through to the river and Windmill Walk.
Mayor Batten says,
"There is an existing archway on this side that will be unveiled through the construction process that creates a sense of real welcoming as well as connection from Miller Street through to the Windmill Walk. In order to achieve this open space and entry, the positioning of the toilets would need to move, and understandably along with this, there is high community interest."
General Manager David Neeves says that importantly, the service level provided by Council would be the same.
"Public access to toilets would remain, the entrance to them would instead be through a recess into the GIL building, with a proposed modesty wall into the plaza, creating privacy, along with additional space and opportunity for community art and information. The relocation, although only a short distance, would see the toilets, with appropriate public and after-hours access from the plaza."
The concept for this plaza area is shown and the impression includes additional trees, seating, shade, stage area for events, outdoor access to power and services and additional street art and community signage.
Council is currently working through the design and procurement phases of the GIL Library Hub project, with community feedback forming an important part of the project refinement and delivery.
"Council will soon be moving into the detailed design phase to lead into the procurement stage where Council will engage a contractor for the construction elements. We are at an exciting time for the project and I encourage the community to participate in and be part of the update and community consultation sessions."
A number of project update sessions are planned in the immediate term to be held @ the GIL in Miller Street, with regular sessions also planned as the project moves through the different stages.
- Friday, 19 March, 11am-12pm, General Community update session, along with an update on the CHC project
- Tuesday, 23 March, 7.30am – 8.30am, Business Breakfast Meeting
