Sanctuary Point Library

Plans for a new Sanctuary Point Library are moving forward, with a revised scope of works now under development.

At the ordinary council meeting held on 29 July 2024, the Council resolved progress work to rescope a new capital works project based on Warilla Library (ref. MIN.24.404).

The related report is available to view on our website, HERE.

The rescoping processes is necessary to ensure the project can proceed, following the AEC Financial Sustainability Review (November 2023), which identified the need to increase operating revenue and reduce expenses.

Brewster Hjorth Architects (BHA), who created the initial library plans and designed the Warilla Library, are expected to remain the appointed Principal Architect for the project.

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The Council will soon consider a report about an update on the Sanctuary Point Library project. This report follows on from MIN24.241, providing an update on investigations to rescope the project.

• Forum: Ordinary Council Meeting (Council Chambers, Nowra Administration Building)
• Date: 29 July 2024

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The Sanctuary Point Library project has been placed on pause, in accordance with Council Meeting MIN24.148 (25/03/2024), until Council’s financial position improves.

Shoalhaven City Council is committed to delivering a district library in Sanctuary Point. Investigations will continue to identify a feasible solution, in accordance with Council Meeting MIN24.241 (06/05/2024).

For more information about the work we are doing to improve our financial sustainability, please visit our Financial Sustainability Program webpage. web page.

The Sanctuary Point District Library project continues to progress. This transformational project for the community will contribute to greater activation in the town centre as people visit the state-of-the-art facility from across the Bay and Basin area. The library and associated facilities will create a focal point for the community, providing a range of services and activities for everyone to participate in.

The detailed design of the two-storey district library is 98 percent complete and includes community spaces, meeting rooms and study areas, computers and free WiFi, rooftop terrace and internal courtyard. The Development Application for the proposed building was endorsed by Council at its Ordinary Meeting of 8 May 2023, and on 19 May 2023 development consent was provided by the Southern Regional Planning Panel.

Next stages include completion of the design work, including finalisation of the public art components of the project, engagement of Principal Certifying Authority and receipt of Construction Certificate. Once the Construction Certificate is received, detailed design will be considered 100% complete and the project will be shovel-ready for implementation. It is anticipated that this work will take between six to eight months, with Council ready to begin construction in mid-2024.

At Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 9 October 2023 (MIN23.581), it was resolved that Council:

1. Notes that the Sanctuary Point District Library is a project for all the Bay & Basin community, is an economic stimulus project for Sanctuary Point and therefore Council reaffirms its commitment to the Sanctuary Point District Library Project at the current location as approved in the current Development Application.

2. Confirms with the funding body the acceptance of Federal Grant funds by December 2023.

3. Commits through its long-term financial plan the following financial strategy:

a. $7.5 million 2024 / 25 financial year and

b. $7.5 million in the 2025 / 26.

c. Capping Council’s commitment to the project at $15 million.

4. Ensure the Bob Proudfoot Pavilion is also included in the funding.

5. Write to the Member for South Coast Liza Butler MP requesting $7.5 million of financial assistance from the State Government for the project to be confirmed no later than 30 June 2024.

6. Inform the Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips MP of the financial strategy (as above) to achieve completion of the Sanctuary Point Library within the grant timeframe and request that the Federal Member continue to work closely with the Member for South Coast to achieve the additional funding.

7. Thank the Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips MP and Member for South Coast Liza Butler MP for their ongoing advocacy and assistance in securing funding for this landmark project.

Council is working collaboratively across all three tiers of government to secure the funding necessary to ensure that this community asset is delivered.

Council is at an advanced stage of planning for the construction and delivery of the Sanctuary Point Regional Library.

The Development Application has been submitted and the next stage of the process is to consider the procurement and project management services for the construction phase.

Construction for the Sanctuary Point Library is likely to commence at the end of 2023.

Some highlight features that have been incorporated into the design are listed below:

• Roof Top Terrance where the ridge looks out over the basin and sea.
• Courtyard with a feature of native Palms.
• Public Art
• Bespoke feature lighting
• Dynamic Sunshades wrapping the entire external walls and incorporating public art.

Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from local First Nations artists for a number of permanent public artwork commissions as part of the new Sanctuary Point Public Library opening in 2024.

There are three public artwork opportunities within the Sanctuary Point Library site. It is anticipated that a different artistic team will be engaged for each opportunity, however you are welcome to nominate yourself to be considered for more than one option.

SEA | Freestanding sculpture

1. Location – Outside on corner of Paradise Beach Road & Kerry Street
2. Artwork Format
   • Freestanding sculpture
   • Could include a water feature
   • Integrated within landscape design
3. Artwork Objective
   • To immediately locate the library site within its First Nations history
   • To connect the site with the sea and surrounding waterways
   • To become an identifiable landmark for the site.

SKY | Embedded lighting artwork

1. Location: Underside of rooftop
2. Artwork Format: Embedded LED lighting
3. Artwork Objective:
   • Celebrate First Nations science and astronomy
   • To create visual interest during both the day and night
4. Notes: Prior experience with lighting not essential. Artists will be supported with the technical aspects of this artwork.

LAND l Sunshades

1. Location: Sunshades wrapping the entire external walls and internal courtyard
2. Artwork Format: Perforated design within metal sunshades
3. Artwork Objective: To perform the functional requirement of partial shading
4. Notes: Selected artist will work with project architects. Sunshades wrap the building in distinct sections.

Stage One: Expression of Interest

Suitably qualified First Nations artists are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). All submissions are assessed against the following EOI Selection Criteria:

• Cultural Connection to the Bay and Basin area
• Demonstration of creativity and artistic merit
• Willingness to expand your artistic practice into the domain of large-scale Public Art.

Submission Requirements

Please include:

1. An artist statement in response to this project. This may include an initial idea (optional). This can be written (250 words) or video (max 3 mins).
2. Artwork examples (max 5 images) with supporting information
3. Nominate the artwork opportunity you would like to undertake. You can nominate more than one option. However please note it is unlikely you will be shortlisted for more than one option.

We are not seeking detailed concepts at this stage.

Before completing an EOI, please take a look at the Public Art - Scoping Document, EOI Public Art - Information and the Brewster Hjorth Architects' Fly Through Video.

Please complete the Online EOI Form or download the EOI Form in the Document Library and email it to council@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au, with reference number 71326e, by 5pm Monday, 8 August 2022.

Stage Two: Artist Design Competition

The Art Selection Panel will assess the EOI submissions and shortlist 2 -3 artists for each artwork commission. The shortlisted artists will progress to Stage Two: Artist Design Competition.

Shortlisted artists will be invited to develop a conceptual proposal in response to the Artist Brief. Artists will be paid a concept development fee.

During Concept Development artists will be supported and connected with public art specialists who can assist with the design and engineering requirements of an artistic concept. Shortlisted artists will be asked to present their concept to the Art Selection Panel.

For more information, please contact Bronwyn Coulston, Arts & Culture Manager, on (02) 4429 5441 or Sarah Taylor, Library Services Manager, on (02) 4429 3702.

Council is at an advanced stage of planning for the construction and delivery of the sanctuary Point Regional Library.

The Development Application has been submitted and the next stage of the process is to consider the procurement and project management services for the construction phase.

At Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday 25 May 2021, Council resolved that Council:

1. Note the submissions provided on the concept design of the Sanctuary Point District Library for information.

2. Adopt the concept design, as publicly exhibited, with the following minor changes (as displayed in the 'Document Library'):
a. Research Room relocated
b. Stairwell relocated and shape changed to assist with mechanical reticulation
c. Breakup of sunshade on front of building
d. Solid precast wall incorporated to reduce heat
e. Technology Room relocated to north east corner
f. Corridor and lift relocated
g. A solid precast wall incorporated to manage heat gain / loss at front of building

3. Lodge a Development Application for the Sanctuary Point District Library on the corner of Paradise Beach Road and Kerry Street, Sanctuary Point as per MIN20.33 and MIN21.126.

4. Respond to the submissions and advise of Council’s decision.

5. Actively pursue any grant funding opportunities to assist with the delivery of the Sanctuary Point Library.

If you need further information about this matter, please contact Susan Edwards, City Lifestyles on (02) 4429 3632. Please quote Council’s reference 63792E (D21/221667).

Thank you for your input. The submission period is now closed.

The concept design of Sanctuary Point District Library was on public exhibition from Wednesday 31 March to Friday 30 April 2021.

Located in the Sanctuary Point Town Centre on the corner of Paradise Beach Road and Kerry Street, the concept design of the new library is for a two-storey architecturally designed building includes:

• Foyer and Exhibition Area
• Customer Service
• Community / Multipurpose Space
• Amenities
• Reading Areas
• Lending Library Collection Areas
• Audio-Visual and IT Collection
• Children’s Area
• Program Space
• Youth Area
• Individual Study / Working Spaces
• Quiet Study Areas
• Group Study Areas
• Peaceful Lounge
• Social Stairs
• Outdoor Terrace
• Courtyard
• Pedestrian Thoroughfare connecting Kerry Street and Francis Ryan Reserve
• Revised Car Parking off Kerry Street and Francis Ryan Reserve

Further information

If you have any enquiries in relation to this project, please do not hesitate to contact Anthony Meta (02) 4429 3676 or stay up to date on this project by subscribing to the Get Involved webpage.