New library’s Contemporary Community, Art and Cultural Hub on display

Published on 16 July 2021

Quirindy Library Cultural Hub

Liverpool Plains Shire Council (LPSC) Mayor, Councillor Doug Hawkins OAM, says that following the removal of most of the construction fencing around Quirindi’s newly redeveloped library precinct,  he is encouraged and overwhelmed by the positive community feedback he has received both personally and via social media .

“Following extensive consultation with user, community and business groups, and stakeholders, LPSC, leading by example, has successfully shown how a small Regional Council can deliver a contemporary Library - Community, Art and Cultural hub to develop and deliver arts and cultural activities for the Liverpool Plains community,” he said. 

“This $1.6 million project has created a contemporary Community, Art and Cultural Hub in partnership with our Sister City Blacktown City Council, the Central Northern Regional Library, the State Library of NSW, the NSW Government and the Commonwealth Government.

“Their support, has resulted in a project, that thanks to their generosity, has been grant funded with $350,000 through the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program, $350,000 through the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Program and $700,000 through the State Library,” he said.  

“This has facilitated the creation of a Contemporary Community, Art and Cultural Hub that is innovative and increases the liveability of our community through improved social infrastructure and programs. The library itself is deigned to be functional and multipurpose accommodating a wide range of activities and uses.

“It will provide effective and efficient delivery of services including areas for relaxation, research, leisure and learning, with public internet and user-friendly access to the latest in technology including printing, scanning and fax services. It will support education outcomes by having spaces for study, meetings, and group activities with easily accessible collections in a range of formats,” he continued.

“The building is environmentally sustainable with all building materials and services being energy efficient and compliant with the relevant codes. Solar-powered skylights in the roof provide natural light into the building. The building itself represents the innovation and art and culture of the community with a dedicated public art gallery.

“As of mid-July external works were nearing completion, however some internal fitting out has been delayed due to Covid 19. This has also delayed NBN-TPG-Telstra FTTP connection. Rain delayed library assets from Kootingal Storage facility being returned, however staff are now undertaking book arrangements. Following the recent success gaining additional funding from State Library NSW orders for furniture to better utilise library space have been placed. Once the external work is complete the public will be able to start enjoying the outdoor space.

“CNRL and State Library-NSW are planning to upgrade the level of services via technology and online in the coming years and the ordered technology will serve its purpose when the system gets upgraded NSW wide,” Councillor Hawkins said.

“Although there was some initial criticism of this project in the early stages, now that people can see what we are getting, and understand it has been undertaken with grant funding, I am greatly encouraged by the positive feedback from the community.

 “I’d like to thank our Federal and State members of parliament for their support to this project, the contractors who have undertaken the project on behalf of Council, and Council’s management team, engineering and other staff who have gained the necessary funding and directed this project”, he continued.  

“Council looks forward to the final finishing touches being completed and being able to open the precinct to the community as soon as current circumstances allow,” Councillor Hawkins concluded.

Media contact – Doug Hawkins 0448 092 932.  

 

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