The Ballarat Library’s first major redevelopment and expansion since 1993 is complete and officially opened on Tuesday, 4 June 2024.
This project has transformed the Ballarat Library into an innovative learning facility through complete refurbishment and expansion, making it a more desirable place to visit and enabling increased services to the community.
The redevelopment included an expansion of the second level of the building, as well as major internal and external works, such as:
- A new main entrance with improved accessibility, landscaping and interaction with the Gov Hub, Civic Hall and CBD precincts.
- Reimagined internal spaces with improved flexibility, upgraded floor finishes, fittings and fixtures.
- Boosted WiFi and power, with increased seating to accommodate 450 people.
- Additional public meeting rooms, with upgraded AV and conferencing technologies.
- An expanded children’s space, comprising a children’s ‘discovery’ space and mini computer lab.
- A baby feeding/change lounge and parenting facility, located adjacent to the children’s section.
- The Co-Lab, or youth space, complete with a community demonstration kitchen.
- A designated performance/event space with streaming technologies.
- Landscaping adjacent to the library, creating informal seating areas and safer pedestrian access.
- Kitchenettes.
- Refurbished public amenities, including Changing Places facility.
- The Maker Space, which is dedicated to learning through experimentation and play.
The $7.48 million project was funded with $6.98 million from the City of Ballarat and a $500,000 contribution from Local Government Victoria’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.
Visit the library page on the City of Ballarat website for more information about this project.
Visit the news page on the City of Ballarat website for more information about the official opening event.