The City of Greater Geelong is seeking community feedback on the design principles and concept plan for the redevelopment of the Chilwell Library.
Together with the Geelong Regional Library Corporation (GRLC) and The Chilwell Library Group, the City aims to deliver an upgraded facility that is responsive to the needs of the local community now and into the future.
The redevelopment is focused on making sure Chilwell Library remains an intimate and community-focused facility while improving integration with the park and delivering valuable new community meeting spaces and toilet facilities.
An allocation of $100,000 in Council’s 2021-2022 Budget is for design, and an investment of $900,000 has been forecast in 2022-23 for construction.
The City is seeking additional funding sources from all levels of government, including an application which has been submitted for a Living Libraries minor grant.
The Chilwell Library has served the community since 1958, and the redevelopment is supported by the City’s Social Infrastructure Plan 2020 and the Geelong Regional Library Infrastructure Development Plan 2019.
The online survey is open until Monday 31 January 2022 on our Chilwell Library Redevelopment page.
Community members can also register their interest in attending further engagement activities on this topic.
Anyone who would like assistance completing the survey is invited to call the City on 5272 5272.
Mayor Stephanie Asher
We know this upgrade is important for the Newtown community, and Council was proud to allocate funding to the redevelopment of the library.
We have worked closely with the Geelong Regional Library Corporation and The Chilwell Library Group to develop a set of design principles which aim to strengthen the library’s connection to Sladen Park as well as expanding and upgrading the facilities.
We want to hear from community members on whether the design principles reflect the views of the broader community and if the concept plan is on the right track.
Councillor Peter Murrihy
The Chilwell Library is a much-loved community asset that facilitates engaging library services and vital social connections.
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.
