Wollongong City Council has committed to delivering the highly anticipated Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library in Warrawong, pledging over $40 million at this evening's Council meeting, with construction expected to commence in the coming months.
The new community hub on the corner of King and Greene Streets will be a striking, architecturally designed three-storey building housing a modern library, flexible meeting and function rooms, and spaces for community licensees. Surrounding the building, a new town square, landscaped public spaces and parking will enhance the area's appeal and accessibility.
Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown welcomed the major milestone after years of setbacks resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the construction industry.
"We began engaging with the community on design concepts for this facility back in 2019. While it has been a long journey, Council has been steadfast in its commitment to delivering this vital piece of social infrastructure. It is a major step forward in the ongoing revitalisation of the Warrawong town centre.
"We are grateful to the Albanese Government for their $10 million election commitment to this important facility for our community."
Wollongong City Council Director of Community Services Kerry Hunt said that the project reflects a clear and inclusive vision shaped by extensive consultation with the local community.
"Our goal is to create a cultural destination - a comfortable, inviting, and thoughtfully designed public space that brings people together.
"The centre will provide a wide range of library and community services, access to technology, and connections to essential support services, creating a safe and welcoming space for community members that need it most.
"It will serve the vibrant and culturally rich community living in Warrawong, Berkeley, Lake Heights, Cringila, Primbee, Windang and Port Kembla – meeting their needs now and into the future.
"This is a community to celebrate, and we're proud to reach this important milestone."
