5 Parramatta Square library, council chambers building starts construction

Its design might divide opinion but this $130 million building — which has been dubbed “starship enterprise” — has been touted by the mayor as something that will bring people together as part of the colossal Parramatta Square redevelopment. FIND OUT WHAT THE NEW COMMUNITY HUB WILL HAVE INSIDE.

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Its quirky design has been dubbed the “starship enterprise” but the much-anticipated $130 million 5 Parramatta Square — to house a library, performance spaces and council chambers — will become the “people’s building” and put Parramatta on the map, Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer says.

On Friday, ground will be broken on the six-storey building, which will also house discovery and cultural centres, and round out the $3.2 billion Parramatta Square redevelopment when construction is completed in April 2022.

5 Parramatta Square’s community centre.

“I believe that design is in the eyes of the beholder but it’s a very striking building, and different to anywhere else, and we’re proud to have it in Parramatta,’’ Cr Dwyer said.

“Because it’s different, it’s going to put Parramatta on the map because it’s at the forefront of design.

The conspicuous building will be complete in April 2022.

“We see PS5 as a jewel in the crown. It’s like we built the wedding rings and now we’re sticking the diamond on the top.’’

Built managing director Brett Mason speaks at the turning of the sod for the $130 million 5 Parramatta Square. Picture: John Fotiadis

The library will include 24/7 book return facility, an extensive book collection and digital resources; the Discovery Centre will house interactive displays and exhibitions, indigenous objects, cultural programs and a research lab, and the Urban Living Room (the lobby) will feature a cafe and space for performances.

Concept designs of the library show the "grand stairs".

The digital facade will light up the square when the sun sets.

A team from French firm Manuelle Gautrand Architecture and Aussie firms DesignInc and Lacoste + Stevenson designed the asymmetrical landmark.

Construction is unde way elsewhere in Parramatta Square. Picture: John Fotiadis

DesingInc director Richard Does said the roof was designed to disperse natural light evenly and shade the interiors, which are visible from the square.

“The architecture celebrates its public contribution,’’ he said.

“Its distinctive geometry makes it a landmark.’’

The ground floor lobby will feature a cafe and live performances.

5 Parramatta Square \is part of one of the nation’s largest urban renewal projects and Australian construction company Built won the tender to construct the project, which will generate 200 short-term jobs.

Acting Parramatta CEO Parramatta Brian Hynes, Parramatta Lord Mayor Bob Dwyer and Built managing director Brett Mason. Picture: John Fotiadis

Built is also constructing 6 and 8 Parramatta Square — the country’s largest commercial building — as well as the recently completed 3 and 4 buildings that house National Australia Bank headquarters and several government departments.

1 Parramatta Square 1 (the Western Sydney University Campus) and 2PS (Sydney Water) are already open.

PS 5 will include Parramatta Council’s chambers.

Cr Dwyer is also chuffed the “iconic’’ PS5 will allow the council to meet in formal chambers, not the hall at St Patrick’s Cathedral, after a plan first hatched by the council in 1996.

“We’re getting back our building at last,’’ he said.

“For us it’s like a jewel in the crown and finishing off that Parramatta Square area. It’s like an investment in the future.

“It’s a people’s building. PS5 reflects who we are as a community — we’re vibrant and have history and have a bright future.’’