By Allyson Fonseca
HOBSONS BAY City Council is calling for feedback on five options for the proposed Williamstown Library redevelopment.
Williamstown Ward councillor Angela Altair said the council would carefully consider community feedback before making a final decision.
“A library is the perfect example of a community facility, providing a haven for students to study, a place for children to learn to read, and a valuable resource for avid book readers,” said Cr Altair.
“It is for this reason that the council believes that any community feedback we receive on these proposals is invaluable and will be carefully considered by the library steering committee, which will then report at a future ordinary council meeting.
“If you’re a library member or a Williamstown resident, I encourage you to inspect the proposed options and have your say.”
Hobsons Bay mayor Leigh Hardinge said the council had sought professional advice about the viability of the proposed facility to obtain private funding.
“It is vital that we analyse the viability and the capacity of the proposed redevelopment to attract private sector contributions in addition to council funding,” he said.
“Each of the options is costed to incorporate a 900 sq m fitted-out library, together with a coffee shop. Detailed drawings will be developed at the next stage and will be displayed for further consultation.
“By investigating the possibility of private sector contributions, the council is doing all it can to provide the best possible facility for Williamstown residents and the wider Hobsons Bay community.”
The council is considering five options for the redevelopment, which is proposed to be situated behind the Williamstown Town Hall.
An information pack is on display at the Williamstown and Newport Libraries, Williamstown Community Centre and Outreach Community Centre in Newport until 1 August, outlining each option with sketched plans, a map of the site, background information and feedback forms.
Feedback is required by Friday, 4 August, and can be submitted at any library branch on the feedback forms provided or via email to sgately@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au
For more information, call Suzanne Gately on 9932 1330.
