Council has endorsed the corner of Kerry Street and Paradise Beach Road as the preferred location for a new library in Sanctuary Point.
The new library would replace the current library building and service the 30,000 residents in Sanctuary Point and surrounding Bay and Basin communities.
Mayor Patricia White said concept designs for a single-storey building had previously been drafted which meant the project did not have to start from scratch.
"After many years, we're pleased to provide certainty about an appropriate location for this much-needed library," Cr White said.
"Based on the single-storey pavilion model, the new facility promises to meet residents' needs and be fit for purpose for the future," she said.
"The community has outgrown their current library and they've told us they are keen for this prominent location in the village centre which is an easy walk to the shops and cafes."
The next stage for the project will involve negotiating with the Federal Government on the scope of the funding which had previously been allocated to Council for construction of a much larger project. Council would like to see the funding used for planning and detailed design, and site establishment to make the project 'shovel ready' for future funding.
Next steps will include progression of a development application and detailed design documentation.
Features of the concept design for the new library include:
- Ability to house a collection of 15,000 items
- A children's library and youth area
- Bookable spaces
- Sheltered courtyard
- Entry lounge and help desk with overview of facility
- Improved parking
- Enhanced connectivity between Paradise Beach Road and Kerry Street retail precincts
- A forecourt and library entrance on Kerry Street
- Public art.
Project history
Plans for a two-storey library were paused in March 2024 as part of a series of measures taken to address Council's financial position.
At the Ordinary Meeting on 15 April 2025, a new single-storey design in line with a smaller scope and targeted budget at Kerry Street and Paradise Beach Road was proposed to Council as an alternative solution. Councillors resolved not to proceed with the revised library project at that time, with impacts to car parking cited as a key concern.
Council requested that staff explore options to build a library at alternative locations including Francis Ryan Reserve and the existing community centre site on Paradise Beach Road.
