Riverway library work set to begin
WORK on the new library and community hub at the Riverway Lagoon and community precinct will begin this month.
Townsville City Council will relocate the Thuringowa Library to Riverway and has awarded the refit project to Hutchinson Builders.
The new library design has been based on extensive feedback from the community about what they expect from a modern library.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the new library had been designed hand-in-hand with the community to cater to library user needs and attract more people to the Riverway precinct.
“We already have the city’s premier swimming lagoons, boardwalks, barbecues, gardens, Pinnacles art gallery and n a t i o n a l l y rated sporting fields and stadium as part of the Riverway precinct.
“A modern library is much more than just a place to borrow books and will add another valuable community asset to what has become the city’s epicentre for community and culture,” Ms Hill said.
“Along with the library, council is also refurbishing the Ecoactive Centre near the children’s playground and has also released the tender for the commercial lease of a cafe.”
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairwoman Ann-maree Greaney said the library was designed around the community’s needs and expectations.
“The community told us they wanted the new library to have study rooms, safe spaces for at-risk youth, digital production studios, parenting rooms, a business lounge and after-hours meeting rooms to support a growing remote workforce,” she said.
The new library is set to be completed by mid-december, weather permitting.