Sanctuary Point Library

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Shoalhaven City Council has committed funding towards the design of a new Regional Library for the Bay and Basin area in Sanctuary Point.

The Sanctuary Point District Library will inject new life into the Sanctuary Point village by providing a hub of community activity; access to technology and information; a place for meeting, collaborating, connecting, studying; and access to business spaces, reader services and collections.

This project involves:

  • lodgement of a Development Application
  • preparation of Detail Design
  • preparation of documentation for Tender for Construction.


Community Consultation

In 2021 Council held community consultations and information sessions to receive feedback. This was useful input into the design of the Sanctuary Point Regional Library.

Stay Informed

The News Feed on this page will be updated as the project develops. To be notified of updates, subscribe via the Stay Informed function.

Shoalhaven City Council has committed funding towards the design of a new Regional Library for the Bay and Basin area in Sanctuary Point.

The Sanctuary Point District Library will inject new life into the Sanctuary Point village by providing a hub of community activity; access to technology and information; a place for meeting, collaborating, connecting, studying; and access to business spaces, reader services and collections.

This project involves:

  • lodgement of a Development Application
  • preparation of Detail Design
  • preparation of documentation for Tender for Construction.


Community Consultation

In 2021 Council held community consultations and information sessions to receive feedback. This was useful input into the design of the Sanctuary Point Regional Library.

Stay Informed

The News Feed on this page will be updated as the project develops. To be notified of updates, subscribe via the Stay Informed function.

  • Project Update - November 2023

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    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.

  • Public Art Update

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    An EOI process was undertaken to engage local First Nations artists. Three local Aboriginal artists have been selected to create unique, inspirational artworks to be incorporated into the design of the new Sanctuary Point Library. 

    Based on feedback, the community asked for local indigenous art to be included in the project, with construction to begin later this year and complete in July 2025.  

    The library will inject new life into the Sanctuary Point village by providing access to technology and information, a place for meeting, collaborating, connecting and studying, and access to business spaces, reader services and collections.

    The artists have designed different mediums of artwork that reflect Indigenous cultural heritage. They are Wandi Wandandian artist, Tracey Van Oploo, South Coast Dharawal artist, Jaz Corr and Wandi Wandian / Murramamarang artist, Michael Robinson. 

    The artwork will weave Indigenous culture into the fabric of the library and represent a connection to Country in innovative ways, 

    This project.provides an opportunity for local artists to build their careers and tell their story as First Nations people that reads as an interconnected narrative for everyone to engage with. 

    The stories and knowledge of First Nations people have informed the cultural narrative and created a thematic journey as the public move through the site. The themes are sea, land and sky and the commissioned works will be visible to pedestrians at ground and rooftop levels: 

    SEA | Freestanding sculpture and water feature   

    Michael Robinson’s freestanding sculpture represents the sea and will stand outside the library as an identifiable landmark for the site. It will be integrated with landscape design and include a water feature, Michael’s proposed carvings have an emphasis on traditional utilitarian purpose as well as aesthetic value in each piece of artwork. 

    LAND | Sunshades

    The work of Tracey Van Oploo represents the inlet that runs from St Georges Basin to the ocean. The three main parts represent water, escarpment and connections, with flora and fauna throughout. This element of land will be integrated onto the sunshades of the building. 

    SKY | Embedded lighting artwork   

    Jaz Corr will be producing LED lighting artwork on the ceiling representing the sky, which celebrates First Nations science and astronomy that creates a visual interest day and night.




  • Project Update

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    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.
  • Public Art - Expression of Interest

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    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.

  • Project Update

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    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.

  • Council Resolution

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    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).

  • Public Exhibition Opens - Have Your Say on the Concept Design of the Sanctuary Point District Library

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    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.

  • Council Resolves to Progress to Public Exhibition

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    At the Strategy and Assets meeting on 9 March 2021, Shoalhaven City Council resolved to progress to the public exhibition stage of the concept design of the Sanctuary Point District Library.

    The concept plan was developed after preliminary community consultation last year, which included workshops held in December 2020 – the outcomes of this consultation is summarised in the Phase 1 Community Engagement Report.

    The Council resolution (MIN21.126) was as follows:

    1. Council accept the report for information.

    2. Council support the public exhibition of the Sanctuary Point District Library Concept Plan.

    a. Where significant and adverse feedback is received, amend the design to address the issues raised as deemed necessary.

    3. Council receive a further report at the conclusion of the public exhibition period.

    4. Council endorse progressing to Development Application lodgement as per MIN20.33.

    5. The construction of a new amenities block at Frances Ryan Reserve continue to be in the forefront of Council’s plan.

    The public exhibition will involve an exhibition period of 28-days, online survey, acceptance of submissions and a community drop-in session during the public exhibition period.

    The community drop-in session will be an opportunity for the community members to come and meet Council staff and members from the consultant team to discuss the preferred concept plan, ask questions, and provide their feedback.

    Further details of the public exhibition will be available shortly.

  • Summary of Community Engagement Report

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    The consultants have finalised a report on the outcomes of the Sanctuary Point Library community engagement activities undertaken to date. This follows the completion of three workshops in December 2020 with an External Stakeholder Group and two Community Groups. The report provides a summary of the proceedings and the key discussion areas in relation to the design of the Library.

    View the Sanctuary Point Library - Phase 1 - Community Engagement Report

  • Update following 9 March 2021 Council meeting

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    Council’s Strategy and Assets Committee Meeting on Tuesday 9 March 2021 considered a report on the Sanctuary Point District Library. The purpose of the report was to update Council on the project and seek Council’s endorsement to publicly exhibit the draft concept plan.

    Council endorsed the recommendation, and added a part 5 relating to Francis Ryan Reserve Amenities. The recommendation read:

    That Council:

    1. Accept the report for information.

    2. Support the public exhibition of the Sanctuary Point District Library Concept Plan.

    a. Where significant and adverse feedback is received, amend the design to address the issues raised as deemed necessary.

    3. Receive a further report at the conclusion of the public exhibition period

    4. Endorse progressing to Development Application lodgement as per MIN20.33.

    The proposed approach for the next stage of the community consultation includes:

    • Public exhibition period supported by an online survey and acceptance of submissions. This is proposed for a period of 28 days.

    • Community drop-in day during the public exhibition period. This will be an opportunity for the community members to come and meet Council staff and members from the consultant team to discuss the preferred concept plan, ask questions, and provide their feedback.

    Copies of the concept plan and fly-throughs will be available for viewing and comment during the consultation period. Dates of the upcoming consultation period will be available and notified via this page, once confirmed.

Page last updated: 01 Nov 2023, 01:11 PM