The Yarraville library is set to move with Maribyrnong council endorsing its relocation at a meeting on September 10.
Following community consultation, council voted in favour of moving the library from its current site on Wembley Avenue, to a new location at the Bradmill precinct at 341-351 Francis Street, Yarraville.
The current Yarraville library is no longer considered fit for purpose with the building in fair to poor condition and not meeting Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements.
The current building also lacks the capacity to expand services to accommodate the growing needs of the community.
After conducting an engagement process involving more than 800 residents, participants expressed a strong preference for relocating the library rather than redeveloping the existing site.
The Bradmill precinct is set to undergo substantial development, with plans for 1,300-1,500 new dwellings and a neighbourhood centre, which Maribyrnong mayor Cuc Lam said made it an ideal location for a modern library that would serve the community for years to come.
“Relocating to the Bradmill precinct not only aligns with the needs of our community but also offers an exciting opportunity to enhance our library services and facilities for the benefit of all residents,” Cr Lam said.
Key benefits of relocation include: a significantly larger building with up to five times the floor space of the current library; improved facilities including bookable meeting rooms, a digital lab, and dedicated spaces for children and teens; increased parking space and an upgraded library being delivered quicker and cheaper than if rebuilt on the current site with no disruptions to library services.
It’s hoped the new library will be open by 2028.
