OCTOBER 30, 2019 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + THE WEST’S BEST PROPERTY GUIDE
Bold plan for arts hub By Benjamin Millar A striking new community hub costing up to $130 million to build, could rise on the site of the Footscray library and carpark under ambitious plans revealed by Maribyrnong council. A feasibility report prepared by architectural firm Architectus has identified four concept options for the development of the Footscray Library Community and Cultural Hub, significantly reshaping the Paisley Street sites currently occupied by the library and two carparks. The project would deliver a rebuilt library, programmed performing arts venue and exhibition and co-working spaces, along with a new public park.
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Now is the time to think big, dream big
’’
- Sarah Carter
Its viability hinges on whether the council can attract “significant” federal and state government funding, which a council report suggests is a reasonable expectation as it would deliver “regional benefits” for the entire western suburbs. A business case analysing each option remains secret, but the report reveals capital costs would range from $45 million to replace the existing library to $128 million to realise the entire concept. An estimated $2.7 million of ongoing recurrent annual funding would also be required. “At the minimum, the library could be brought to contemporary standard, however with greater investment the site could accommodate a civic park, arts and cultural activity, arts exhibition spaces, performing arts events, a range of flexible work and meeting spaces, and potentially required administrative and commercial spaces,” the report stated. “The greater investment will bring to Footscray and the inner west a facility to support the future of civic life in the city.” The report notes “an emerging consensus” among government stakeholders that the project would generate positive cultural and economic benefits for the creative economy in Melbourne’s west. “Any actual budget requests of council will be subject to future consideration, approval and the realisation of significant co-funding agreements with other levels of government.”
Concept designs for the proposed Footscray Library Community and Cultural Hub. (Pictures: Supplied)
Moving a motion to proceed to the next stage of the project, councillor Sarah Carter told last week’s council meeting the vision was a culmination of years of work looking at what Maribyrnong and the western suburbs need. “I think we need to be ambitious for the city. Now is the time to think big, dream big.”
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Maribyrnong mayor Martin Zakharov said it is important to recognise the economic value of supporting the arts, particularly in driving tourism. “It’s something that’s often ignored in Australia,” he said. Community consultation on the concept
designs will run until mid-December, after which a further report will be provided to the council. If the project obtains funding approval, it could be designed in 2020-21, constructed between 2021 and 2023 and potentially operational by 2023-24.
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