Name proposals for 5 Parramatta Square library, council chambers building

It’s the polarising red building dubbed the ‘starship enterprise’ but now the official names proposed for a $130 million Parramatta Square landmark can be revealed.

It’s the polarising red building dubbed the starship enterprise but the official names proposed for the $130 million 5 Parramatta Square landmark can finally be revealed.

The asymmetric six-storey building, designed by French architect Manuelle Gautrand, will be titled Civic Place or The Banksia, and house the council’s chambers, library, performance spaces, discovery and cultural centres as part of the $3.2 billion Parramatta Square redevelopment.

A library and community rooms will feature in the futuristic 5 Parramatta Square.

Civic Place was the previous name for the site, which was the home of the council’s administration building since 1958. The library opened there in 1964 and sat alongside the historic, 138-year-old Town Hall.

The name would pay tribute to the past while celebrating the “people’s building” of the future.

Alternatively, The Banksia is a nod to the microscopic pollens which were found in archaeological digs in the nearby area.

A council report said the name would be inspired by the deep red and orange hues of the distinctive roof being reminiscent of the openings in a Banksia pod.

“The deep reds/oranges of the roof are inspired by nature’s use of colour as an attractor, attracting people to the building for learning, growth and exchange,’’ the report said.

How the new ‘people’s building’ will look when it opens in April.

Company Built started constructing 5 Parramatta Square in August and works are due to be completed in April.

If the council agrees to endorse the names at its Monday night meeting, the public will have a chance to provide their feedback between May 25 and June 16.

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