Bairnsdale Library Redevelopment
Follow the progress of the Bairnsdale Library redevelopment project with regular updates.
Bairnsdale's long anticipated library redevelopment is under way
After receiving overwhelming public support for redeveloping the library on the current site; concept and detailed plans were developed. The Shire's commitment has been supplemented by funding from the Victorian State Government through two funding streams: Putting Locals First and Living Libraries.
This picture was taken at the end of 2012 and shows the library prior to work commencing.
As shown in the architect's concept drawings, the new building will incorporate the historic Mechanics' Institute Hall which has been the home of the library for more than half a century. Architectural and decorative features of the hall will be lovingly restored, but the unremarkable 1970s addition on its south side will be demolished. This will allow for the construction of a modern and vibrant new two storey building with a large civic space in the forecourt.
During the demolition and construction period, the library will be temporarily relocated to the commercial building next door at 24 Service Street (former hardware store). Works are under way to refurbish the space to provide the temporary library service and staff workroom; library staff are getting used to the idea of downsizing. We are very excited about what's coming as are our library members and the community as a whole.
To keep the community informed and involved during the build we are going to regularly post pictures, stories and information here as the project develops.
30/04/2013
Workers unpack stacks of plastic latticework squares and assemble them into cubes. Architect Daniel Coomber of Now Architecture explains that the plastic crates actually form the 58,000 litre underground water tank which will be located under the plaza.
The tank will be constructed as follows:
- A hole is excavated in the ground.
- A plastic membrane will be placed in the excavation.
- The black plastic crates are stacked within the membrane as load bearing void formers.
- The membrane will then be folded over the top and fully sealed.
- The tank is then backfilled around and over.
The water in this underground tank will stay at about 15˚. The "coolth" of this water will be exchanged for use in the air conditioning systems. This will significantly reduce the amount of mechanical chilling required which saves on energy use and running costs.
Further to the mechanical air conditioning system, there will be large diameter plastic pipes buried beneath the tank to allow for tempered fresh air to securely enter the Library at low level as part of the passive cooling and ventilation systems. High level motorised windows will open and expel hot stuffy air which in turn will draw tempered fresh air through these pipes. Finally the water in the tank will also be used to flush the toilets and water the gardens!
Completed crates ready for use in forming the water tank.
The first delivery of concrete is poured along the the southern boundary of the vacant lot.
11/04/2013
Heavy equipment is brought in to carefully demolish the 1970s addition to the old Bairnsdale Library without damaging the historical building.
21/03/2013
Bairnsdale Library is now operating in its temporary location at 24 Service Street. This will be its home until the grand opening of the new redevelopment on the original site next door.
The temporary library is very comfortable, bright and airy. We have received many compliments from our borrowers.
Although it is a smaller space, it is well set out so it really does function well.
18/02/2013
The front section of 24 Service Street ready for the shelves, furniture and stock to be moved in. Bairnsdale Library will be closed from Wednesday, 20 February 2013 and will reopen on Thursday, 28 February 2013.
12/02/2013
Fitting out of the staff work room in the temporary library.
14/01/2013
The suspended ceiling and lighting in the temporary library have been completed. Painters and air conditioning contractors are now on site.
17/12/2012
With the initial wiring complete, the plasterers begin their work in the temporary library.
04/12/2012
The electricians are hard at work wiring up the lighting, electrical and network points in the temporary library.
29/11/2012
Moving furniture from what was the original library upstairs was a tricky exercise. A large component of our Compactus storage unit was a tight squeeze coming down the stairs. The door had to be taken off its hinges to allow the unit to fit though.
More furniture is loaded for the trip to Lakes Entrance Library to be stored in the back room until the redevelopment is completed.
02/11/2012
The Hal Porter Study is where our Local Studies Collection has been housed for many years. With the help of our mobile library, the collection has been relocated to the back room of our Lakes Entrance library. Until our new library is completed, items from that collection are available for viewing at your library upon request.
30/10/2012
Fitting out of the temporary library at 24 Service Street has begun. A stud wall dividing the public and the staff areas, office space and public toilet has been erected and cabling and plumbing works are under way.