Outdoor plaza could be heart of Baw Baw
An outdoor plaza with a big screen and "Fed Square potential" is set to be the heart of Baw Baw for generations to come, according to Baw Baw Shire mayor Annemarie McCabe.
Cr McCabe urged the West Gippsland community to embrace the outdoor plaza that is set to be a focus point of the proposed $30 million Baw Baw Cultural and Connection Precinct in Warragul. The outdoor plaza proposes to link the new library and learning centre in Warragul with West Gippsland Arts Centre and Civic Park.
"This precinct can be Baw Baw's very own Fed Square; a humming destination of culture and events anchored by our inspiring new library and learning centre," Cr McCabe said.
However, Baw Baw Shire needs the community's help to secure funding to make stage one of the Baw Baw Civic Precinct Master Plan a reality.
The masterplan proposes to build a library and learning centre on the corner of Albert St and Civic Place, along with landscaped open spaces and pedestrian plaza to provide a vibrant and modern town square and community hub.
"This precinct will become the heart of Baw Baw's cultural and architectural landscape for generations to come," Cr McCabe said, encouraging residents to visualise the outdoor plaza.
It is proposed the plaza would be fitted with power, lighting and a big screen, allowing the space to host immersive outdoor experiences and provide an enhanced space for established events like Snowfest and local farmers' and arts markets.
"Imagine gathering in the plaza to watch the 2026 Commonwealth Games or the AFL grand final on our own big screen," Cr McCabe said. "Imagine illuminated sculpture festivals and glow in the dark inflatable fun parks, or settling into a beanbag for live music or outdoor cinema with friends on a summer night."
"The things we'll be able to do in and around the precinct are endless," she said.
The precinct is being designed to offer interactive tourism information, outlining the Baw Baw region's history, places to visit and things to do.
In addition, residents and visitors could learn a new hobby or make something creative in the maker's space; connect and create digitally; use video conferencing facilities, make a podcast; or use the 3D printer.
The library spaces will offer more than loaning books, with areas to play video games, log on to the free WiFi, charge devices or simply relax in reading rooms.
Catching up with family and friends for a coffee will be on offer at the outdoor community plaza or rooftop terrace.
Free and accessible family friendly changing places and a parents' room are also planned.
Baw Baw Shire has launched a community campaign to help bring the $30 million library cultural precinct to life.
With just under half the funds already secured, the campaign is seeking state and federal funding to build phase one of the precinct.
Cr McCabe said the precinct was something to be excited about, "but we need a little help to support our funding applications and keep the precinct front of mind for our MP's and ministers".
"That's why we are rallying our community to get behind the campaign and send a letter," she said.
Scan the QR Code above or visit advancingbawbaw.com/ culture to join the Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct community advocacy campaign. The site provides quick and easy access to a letter of support that will be emailed directly to all local MPs and relevant ministers.