Tate Papworth
The Brimbank Council has taken the first steps towards redeveloping the Deer Park at St Albans libraries.
At a recent meeting the council adopted a preliminary study, which is the first step in planning for the redevelopment of the facilities.
The libraries had been earmarked for a much needed upgrade after a review as part of the councils 20-year community services and infrastructure plan
Mayor Georgina Papafotiou said the council was keen to make sure the spaces continue to evolve to meet the needs of the community and to allow for future growth.
“The study reviewed library trends within Australia and internationally, and engaged with the community to better understand what libraries should offer into the future,” she said.
“The review of trends found the role of libraries has developed far beyond that of being just a place for books; they are increasingly becoming epicentres of community life and act as ‘community living rooms’ where individuals, groups and families can study, relax, play, work and simply connect.
“The study recommends the redeveloped libraries should be bigger and this increase can be accommodated by expanding on their current sites. The new libraries will be part of community hubs offering a range of community functions.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the temporary closure of library doors to the public and the council says this has highlighted the need for its libraries to be more agile than ever and adapt services by developing new and innovative approaches to meet these changing community needs.
The next stage of planning, subject to the availability of funding, is to determine the additional services that the St Albans and Deer Park community hubs will offer.
A business case for each facility will then be developed.
