Trafalgar library endorsed

Old kindergarten is best site

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The former Trafalgar kindergarten site has been endorsed as the future home for a permanent library in the town.

With construction estimated to cost $940,000, the Contingent St site was the preferred option for both Baw Baw Shire officers and councillors for its location, natural light, potential for outdoor programs, and lower building costs.

Whilst a "crowd favourite", the alternate option at the Trafalgar Business Centre had a significantly higher construction estimate of $1.74 million. It also would result in annual rental income loss of $42,209 from current tenants.

At a council meeting in Trafalgar last week, councillors unanimously voted to endorse the Contingent St site as the preferred static library site, endorse the concept design and consider allocating funding to progress the detailed design as part of future budget processes.

It followed council calling for a feasibility report on both sites in September 2021.

The planning report said the Trafalgar Business Centre site at 107 Princes Hwy offered more visual exposure and greater potential for future hub model development but offered no dedicated outdoor area, very little natural light and would attract high upgrade costs. It required a ventilation system upgrade and roof renewal. It is also flagged for potential sale by council.

Both options had the ability to offer 24/7 access, were close to town and had plenty of parking, the report stated. They also would attract the same ongoing renewal and maintenance costs of $13,500.

The only "con" for the old kindergarten site was the existing playground needing work and not recommended for use as is.

With a current estimated population of 4808 and forecast to grow to 6515 by 2041, Trafalgar is the shire's third largest town and currently serviced by a mobile library twice a week for a combined 10 hours.

Originally used as the Trafalgar kindergarten and still the current home of the maternal and child health services, the building is a single storey brick veneer with a metal roof. "This could form a hub with a number of community activities that could be shared with the library service," the report said.

Owned by council, it is envisaged the library would be located in the old kindergarten part of the building. The front section is currently occupied by maternal and child health services which would not be impacted other than construction disruptions, the report stated.

Detailed designs are expected to cost $60,000 to $80,000.

Cr Darren Wallace said a library in Trafalgar was one step closer to delivery. He said it had been a slow process but well planned.

"A static library has long been wanted by the Trafalgar community and the old kinder building is a no brainer."

Cr Wallace said about 400 students walked to and from school, to catch the V/Line train, straight past the Contingent St site.

"Location, location, location they say. We own the building, it aligns with the hub strategy, the population is there, and the community wants it."

Cr Annemarie McCabe said she was delighted to see the project progressing and be in the position to decide the preferred location.

"Whilst the old council building was the crowd favourite for many reasons...there were too many cons to make it a viable option.

"Having had a walk through...I know that this will make a great library space for the community.

"I'm really looking forward to the day when the community will be able to start using their new library with 24-hour access," Cr McCabe said.

Cr Peter Kostos said the Trafalgar community had been looking for a static library for many years and this site was "perfect".

"It is a very basic building, it really suits the development into a static library," Cr Kostos said.

Cr Jazmin Tauru highlighted it being walking distance from town, of great size, carparking availability and possibility for expansion.

"I see the potential, the vision and believe this space will be well enjoyed and a well used asset within the community."

Cr Keith Cook said libraries were vibrant places used for a variety of purposes, and this building offers "a nice space".

"At Foster, when they opened up the 24-hour library, and we were just amazed by just how many people were using the library 24 hours. That would be great if that could happen at Trafalgar," Cr Cook said.

Cr Michael Leaney said while the existing mobile library was an excellent service, Trafalgar needed a static library.

He said it would also benefit surrounding communities like Willow Grove and Thorpdale which would retain their mobile library service.

"I think this is an excellent outcome and it does show we listen to the community.

It was certainly a big issue back in 2016. So six years on, it's great to be in this space,” Cr Leaney said.