Work to transform the former Kangaroo Flat senior citizens building in Lockwood Road into the new Kangaroo Flat Library is on track for completion in June.
The Lockwood Road premises is undergoing a $1.38M redevelopment to provide a modern, 50 per cent larger, centrally located library facility to service Kangaroo Flat’s growing community well into the future.
City of Greater Bendigo CEO Craig Niemann said works to modernise and repurpose the building commenced in late 2019.
“A new entrance into the building has been created, services upgraded and repairs to the existing building structure undertaken,” Mr Niemann said.
“Some interior walls have been removed to create more open spaces and the remaining interior walls have been plastered and painted.
“New windows, high grade insulation and solar panels have been installed to make the building more sustainable and comfortable and work to improve access into the building and to beautify the exterior façade is underway.
“A new car park is being created and landscaping works will also be undertaken.
“The building, which is owned by the City of Greater Bendigo is an ideal location because it is large enough to supply an expanded library service in Kangaroo Flat, is close to public transport, local shops, schools and Bendigo Community Health Service Kangaroo Flat site.
“It has good access for all, is connected to the Bendigo Creek Walking and Cycling trail and has sufficient car parking on site. It also has land on both sides of the site that is owned by the City which could provide opportunities for the site to be developed into even more of a community hub in the future.
“The move to Lockwood Road is an innovative and financially responsible solution for the future of the Kangaroo Flat Library. It’s a strong investment in Kangaroo Flat’s future that will result in a superior library that is double the size and fit for purpose.
Goldfields Libraries Corporation CEO Mark Hands said ongoing population growth in the Kangaroo Flat and neighbouring areas in recent years has placed additional demands on the existing library service.
“The Kangaroo Flat Library had outgrown the existing building at the front of Lansell Square Shopping Centre, so the move to Lockwood Road is exciting because not only are we increasing the size of the library we will also expand the services we provide,” Mr Hands said.
“Library staff will commence setting up the new library once the building works are complete.
“It is expected that the library will be ready to commence operating in early July in-line with State Government COVID-19 restrictions.”
Funding for the project has been provided by the City of Greater Bendigo, a Victorian Government Living Libraries Grant and Goldfields Library Corporation.
