Project Update - November 2023
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.
