Bellarine residents will soon enjoy a new modern and accessible library in Drysdale with construction underway on the $9.156 million facility.
Nicholson Construction was awarded the construction tender by Council in October this year.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stephanie Asher said it was exciting to see fencing up and work underway at the site.
“The new library will be a striking centrepiece for the Drysdale Town Square, featuring a roof planted with grasses and other greenery to link it closely to the surrounding park and help support biodiversity in the area,” Mayor Asher said.
“As construction is now underway, it won’t be long before Bellarine residents have a striking new facility which supports lifelong learning, creativity and social connection.
“The new Drysdale Library is part of our commitment to provide access to high standard libraries across the region along with sustainable facilities that celebrate the City’s UNESCO City of Design designation.”
The new library is funded with a $8.156 million contribution by the City and a $1 million Living Libraries Infrastructure Program grant from the Victorian government.
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.
Geelong Regional Library Corporation CEO, Vanessa Schernickau, said this would be an invaluable asset for the Drysdale community.
“The existing Drysdale Library is a much-loved space for the people of Drysdale and we’re very excited about the plans for the new building which will provide this growing community with a world-class and modern facility,” she said.
“The much larger space will be a destination for everyone to enjoy a larger collection, meeting and gathering spaces, and a community-responsive program of library events and services.”
It’s estimated community members will be able to enjoy the new facility and public meeting space by mid-2023 when construction is due for completion.
