The Victorian government has release designs for the new $20.25 million library and learning hub at South West TAFE’s Warrnambool campus, revealing an “ultra-modern facility” four times larger than the old library.
Designed by Melbourne practice Kosloff Architecture, the project includes the refurbishment of an existing heritage-listed building and the addition of a multi-storey, highly transparent learning space.
A project of the state government, South West TAFE and Warrnambool City Council, the facility will sit at the heart of Warrnambool, a town of around 35,000 residents along the Great Ocean Road, and it will be open to all members of the community.
The learning and library hub will include an indoor-outdoor café, public computers, exhibition and display areas, places to study, meeting rooms, and a games and digital media zone.
The top floor will be given over to a quiet reading area with views across Lake Pertobe towards the ocean.
South West TAFE Warrnambool learning and library hub, the view from Kepler Street.
Revealing the concept designs on 7 August, higher education minister Gayle Tierney said the hub would be “an iconic building for the whole Warrnambool community.”
South West TAFE chief executive Mark Fidge added that the learning and library hub would have something for all age groups. “It will have a dedicated space for seniors including a large print collection, a tech zone, and an outdoor children’s play space,” he said.
And local councilor Kylie Gaston said the design would fit comfortably withing the current mix of heritage and contemporary buildings. “Importantly, the new library will have more books – a key priority of the community,” she said.
The hub is expected to be ready to open by mid-2022.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
