City forecasts $1m spend on redevelopment of Chilwell Library

A Geelong library that was threatened with permanently closure just a few years ago is now in line for a cash splash — a handy but modest upgrade compared to the $18m Armstrong Creek plans.

The City of Greater Geelong has unveiled plans to redevelop a community library, just four years after a community campaign save the facility from being permanently closed by the city.

The city this week launched a community feedback period to test community opinions on a concept plan for the redevelopment of the Chilwell Library in Geelong’s Sladen Park, hot on the heels of the $18m Armstrong Creek library and community centre plans being released.

Plans for the facility, which are supported by $1m in forecast city funding, include the almost doubling of floor space - with a 155sq m extension and 50sq m of decking and ramps added to the existing 225sq m building footprint.

Plans for the Chilwell library upgrade

Plans for the Chilwell library upgrade

The planned library would include 190sq m of library floorspace, with a pair of meeting rooms, staff facilities, storage and a large decking space overlooking the park.

The city described the redevelopment as being focused on ensuring the library remained a “community-focused facility while improving integration with the park and delivering valuable new community meeting spaces and toilet facilities”.

Brownbill Ward Councillor Peter Murrihy called for all interested community members to look at the plans and make their voices heard before the feedback period closed on January 31.

“The Chilwell Library is a much-loved community asset that facilitates engaging library services and vital social connections,” Cr Murrihy said.

“The upgrade will provide meeting spaces that will more than double the library’s capacity, enabling opportunities for more diverse programs, activities and events for all age groups.”

“Libraries are an integral part of our communities; they help encourage a lifelong love of reading and learning, support people to develop new skills, develop digital literacy, access support and information, and meet people.”

The city’s 2021/22 Budget allocated $100,000 for the design of the redeveloped facility, and forecast a $900,000 outlay in 2022/23 for construction costs. The city will also seek further funding from other levels of government.

Lynne Dowling, centre, along with 'Save Chilwell Library" members are petitioning against the proposed closure of Chilwell library in 2017. Picture: Peter Ristevski

The launch of the Chilwell Library redevelopment feedback period came shortly before Geelong Regional Libraries staff planned to hold a 24-hour strike on Thursday, arguing for improved wages and conditions.

It also came four years after the city’s administrators had earmarked the library for closure, prompting a strong community backlash which forced the city to reverse its decision.

To view the Chilwell Library redevelopment plans, or provide feedback, visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/CLR

Originally published as City forecasts $1m spend on redevelopment of Chilwell Library