Liverpool City library opens on Scott St as part of Liverpool Civic Place plans

A six-level library – set to become one of the state’s largest facilities – has opened as the centrepiece of a $600m civic project to transform a southwest Sydney CBD. See inside.

The new library is the centrepiece of the $600m Liverpool Civic Place.

A library with an 85,000-item collection - set to become one of the state’s largest facilities – has opened as the centrepiece of Liverpool’s transformation into the state’s third CBD.

Liverpool Council, alongside construction group Built, officially opened the 5000sq m library and community hub called Yellamundie – meaning the storyteller – at 52 Scott St, Liverpool on December 3.

The centre features public gallery spaces, kilometres of shelving, a sunken courtyard garden and group study rooms.

The library has been touted as the “centrepiece” of the $600m Liverpool Civic Place precinct, which is set to transform the southern end of Liverpool’s CBD into a vibrant residential and commercial hub.

Liverpool Council has committed $195m to the precinct, including new council chambers and offices, a childcare centre and civic plaza which is slated to open next year.

Inside the new library at Scott St. It replaces the facility at George St.

Built will cover the commercial costs of the remaining stages of the project, including a 22-storey tower featuring commercial, retail and education spaces and an eight-level 84-room hotel.

Liverpool Mayor Ned Mannoun said the opening of Yellamundie marked a momentous occasion in Liverpool’s history.

“This city was founded in 1810 and here we now have one of the most advanced and architecturally beautiful buildings in all of Sydney,” he said.

The library opened in early December.

It features a sunken courtyard garden and group study rooms.

“When we talk about this space, this building is not just going to be about books … we are preparing our community to have the skills for the future and ensuring it is accessible to everybody.”

Built development director Jono Cottee said the project would “benefit the community and attract more investment into the region”.

“With its proximity to public transport, coupled with the world-class facilities, Liverpool Civic Place represents revitalisation and precinct activation at scale and will ensure southwest Sydney is well-positioned for the region’s ongoing investment and expansion,” he said.

The old Liverpool library on George St closed in November and will remain in the council’s ownership, and be used for community functions programs.

The University of Wollongong will continue to lease the council offices at 33 Moore St.

The university will occupy the entire building from 2024 until the ouncil moves into the new Scott St facilities next year.