4 March, 2022
A $8.4 revitalisation of the Chinchilla Cultural Precinct is well underway, with the Chinchilla Library to relocate to a temporary location by the end of March to facilitate the upgrade.
Initial preparation works are expected to commence in coming weeks, with the Chinchilla Library moving nearby to 27 Bell Street to allow for this work to begin.
Mayor Paul McVeigh said it was exciting to see the wheels turning on this major project, which would deliver a revitalised precinct for Chinchilla and the Western Downs.
“This is a massive project which is going to deliver an exciting, modern and reinvigorated cultural precinct for Chinchilla, which is going to be a huge benefit to our community for generations to come,” Cr McVeigh said.
“To allow for the upgrade of the facility, the Chinchilla Library will be relocating to a vacant building at 27 Bell Street.
“This will mean our community can continue to access library resources and services throughout the construction period, before the Library moves back into a revamped facility when the upgrades are complete.
“The Library will be closed for a two-week period from Monday 14 March through to Saturday 26 March, and we’re working towards opening in the temporary facility on Monday 28 March.
“In the meantime, Library loan limits have been extended and online resources continue to be accessible 24/7 via the Western Downs Libraries website.”
Lapunyah Art Gallery will also be undergoing a major revitalisation as part of the project and will also be closing in its current location on Wednesday 23 March. Council is currently working with Lapunyah to find an alternative location while reconstruction is underway.
Due to the nature of equipment required and no access to a suitable alternative, the Chinchilla Cinema and the Chinchilla Cultural Centre (Auditorium and Wattle Room) will need to be closed throughout construction, but this closure will not occur until Sunday 1 May.
Cr McVeigh thanked the community for its patience as Council completed this fantastic project for the community.
“This project will re-energize the popular community hub and drive future economic growth while supporting the needs of the community, with upgrades to focus on delivering a vibrant, reinvigorated space for all,” he said.
“As the Cinema will need to be closed Council will be offering more free community outdoor movie nights throughout the construction period and more announcements will be made about this in coming months.”
The Chinchilla Cultural Precinct revitalisation is being delivered by Council and the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program.
The project is expected to be completed around June 2023.
