Application approved for library

THE PAGE has been turned to the next chapter in the construction of the new $8m Grafton Library after council approved the development application this week.

THE PAGE has been turned to the next chapter in the construction of the new $8 million Grafton Library after council approved the development application this week.

Clarence Valley Mayor Richie Williamson said council’s planning team could now progress to the detailed design and tendering stages of the project.

“The library will be a space for everyone – a vibrant community hub,” Cr Williamson said.

“The new library will be bigger, brighter and better able to meet the needs of a growing population.”

The second floor library would feature more floor space, more casual seating, study spaces, easily accessible local studies and genealogy collections, and designated children’s and youth spaces.

The increased floor space will allow for displays, expansion of new collections and areas for events and activities.

Cr Williamson said the library would be built over the western end of the Pound St Car Park and also house the Clarence Regional Library Service headquarters.

“Co-locating the Grafton Branch, Regional Headquarters and Mobile Library storage will enable financial savings and in the case of the Grafton Branch, allow the council to expand its administration headquarters.”

Member for Page Janelle Saffin said she was excited this next step in the construction process had been approved enabling planning and design of one of her major re-election commitments to get under way.

“Council tells me that they hope to start construction by late next year and that work will be completed in 2014,” Ms Saffin said.

“Grafton’s new library will bring many educational and recreational benefits for the local community, together with positive flow-on effects for other branches of the Clarence Regional Library Service.

Originally published as Application approved for library