Library cafe set to open
A LONG-AWAITED addition to Geelong’s centrepiece library is set to open within weeks.
The finishing touches are being applied to The Dome’s cafe, which has been promoted as a venue for the public.
The cafe had been part of the original plan for the eyecatching multi-level building, but it could not be realised under the library’s $45.5 million budget.
The council last year committed $850,000 towards upgrading the ground-floor cafe and the level five major events centre.
City of Greater Geelong arts and culture manager, Kaz Paton, said the council had spent about $330,000 on the licensed cafe.
Now, 21 months after the library opened, tenant RK Group is undertaking the final fitout and installation of equipment in the ground-floor space. “The works are expected to be finished over the next month and we look forward to an announcement being made of the formal opening date,” Ms Paton said.
RK Group, which is run by Richard and Nicholas Kelly, will oversee operations in both commercial areas.
The cafe is expected to open out onto the outdoor terraces which look out over Johnstone Park.
Construction crews were also at The Dome library this week for emergency maintenance.
The library was closed Tuesday as builders Kane installed new fixings to secure an internal ceiling panel which had become dislodged between levels two and three.
The library reopened on Wednesday.