Thursday, 15 December 2011
Melbourne’s most progressive waterfront neighbourhood today unveiled plans for a proposed civic hub including an estimated $12.7 million library.
Set to be delivered through a unique partnership model comprising Places Victoria, the City of Melbourne and Lend Lease, the centrepiece of this proposed civic hub, to be known as Dock Square, is a library and community centre, subject to planning approval.
Located at the intersection where Collins Street will meet Bourke, the proposed library and community centre will reinforce the precinct’s environmental credentials by creating one of Melbourne’s most sustainable civic landmarks.
It is designed to become a meeting place where the Docklands community can access a range of resources and activities, and actively participate in community life.
The Minister for Planning, Matthew Guy said the plans unveiled today demonstrated strong, long-term partnerships between State and local government and the private sector, a key ingredient for any urban renewal project.
"These plans for a new civic hub for Docklands propose a centre point for the Docklands community, providing a place for culture, learning and recreation. While the details will still be subject to planning approval, these are the sort of projects and the type of community infrastructure required to position Docklands as a place for people and a key harbourside destination in the future,” Minister Guy said.
Places Victoria Chairman Peter Clarke said this was the first of what would be a series of announcements over the coming months which would focus on the provision of community infrastructure.
"This proposed civic hub will continue to build a sense of place in Docklands, bringing life and soul to this growing community," Mr Clarke said.
Throughout 2011, City of Melbourne and Places Victoria sought input from the Docklands community to inform how planning, development and community activity should be supported in the next decade.
Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the proposed location of the building was ideal and would be the cornerstone of a range of community infrastructure to be delivered in this part of Docklands.
“The proposed development is the result of a great partnership between the City of Melbourne, Places Victoria and Lend Lease, enabling us to deliver a first rate library and community centre for the people of Docklands,” the Lord Mayor said.
“This proposed building is not just a piece of architecture in terms of sustainability and design, it is an important piece of urbanism. This is what the city has been trying to advocate for in Docklands, buildings and places that work for people.”
Lend Lease’s Project Director of Victoria Harbour, Claire Johnston, said Dock Square, in particular, the proposed library and community centre would help define the character of Victoria Harbour and wider Docklands by bringing life to the heart of the precinct.
“Over the past two years we have been refining the Victoria Harbour vision and have placed a strong emphasis on creating vibrant, activated and appealing places for residents, workers and visitors.
“This proposed development at Dock Square will have the ability to evolve over time to suit the diverse needs of its users,” said Ms Johnston.
Construction of the library and community centre is anticipated to commence in April 2012, subject to planning approval, and is due for completion by mid 2013.
A planning permit for the construction of the Library and Community Centre will be submitted to DPCD on Friday 16 December 2011.