Community members are closer to enjoying a modern and accessible library in Drysdale, with the Council awarding the $7.592 million construction tender to A W Nicholson Pty Ltd.
The library will be part of the new Drysdale Town Centre at Wyndham Street and will feature communal spaces, quiet study areas, an adult changing places facility, a green roof, an internal courtyard garden, a City of Greater Geelong customer service point and resource efficient systems.
The sustainable building has been designed to be a welcoming and safe space that's open to all members of the community.
Low-carbon strategies are set to be incorporated into construction, which will begin in November.
The Greater Geelong Council has injected $8.656 million over four years into this project, alongside a $1 million Living Libraries Infrastructure Program grant from the Victorian Government.
Greater Geelong Deputy Mayor Trent Sullivan said the Council was proud to financially support the Drysdale Library, which will promote lifelong learning and social connection for generations to come.
Libraries are more than just books and technology; they importantly increase literacy and foster a love of learning, and are a safe place to meet people, attend activities and develop new skills.The Drysdale Library's design is quite striking and will become a centrepiece of the township, with connected biodiversity sweeping from the surrounding parkland, into the gathering space and up to the building's green roof.
This exciting project complements our planned investment in new libraries in Armstrong Creek and Lara, upgrades to Chilwell Library and our annual funding of the Geelong Regional Library Corporation, all highlighting the Council's commitment to provide access to high standard libraries across Greater Geelong.
Community members, the Geelong Regional Library Corporation, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and other stakeholders were consulted during 2020 and 2021 on their aspirations, the project vision and final designs.
An open tender process found A W Nicholson Pty Ltd to be the best candidate, based on the tenderer's project experience, expertise, value for money and project risks.
An increase in open space surrounding the library meets the objectives of the Drysdale Urban Design Framework.
The Drysdale Town Square will provide a public meeting space and activity spaces.
Councillor Jim Mason, Bellarine Ward said the clever and creative building would be highly sustainable and accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
We thank the Victorian Government for supporting this worthy project.The Drysdale Library is for the community and has been shaped by the community, including the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, through insightful contributions on the design and purpose of the building.
Congratulations to A W Nicholson Pty Ltd on being awarded the construction tender.
The Hon. Lisa Neville MP, Member for Bellarine said,
I welcome this announcement and look forward to construction beginning.This project will initially deliver all important local construction jobs and for the future a modern and well-resourced library for the Drysdale community and surrounds.
