The GIL Library Hub

Project typeRelocation and upgrade
Project value$6,000,000
Project scheduleFinal construction stage
Contractor nameNorth Construction and Building

The new GIL Library Hub will deliver on Council’s core action to drive the Gilgandra Activation Blueprint. This commitment is about delivering community assets, enhancing and complementing existing services to further drive community and visitors to the CBD with a vibrant, attractive and socially connected space.

Gilgandra Shire Library commenced operations in 1923 as a part library, part community gathering space, and the building has adapted internally to changing community needs. However, the space that was once ample became increasingly cramped as the Library has attempted to provide the increasing service need in our community.

Construction of the new GIL Library Hub building by North Construction and Building commenced on 17 February 2022. The completion of construction was delayed by a number of factors, including difficulty obtaining subcontractors and materials, unforeseen construction issues, and general economic conditions. The project will be completed in the latter half of 2024.

Our Vision:

‘The Library and community hub will be a dynamic community living room, creating a strong, modern centrepiece in the heart of the Gilgandra that attracts passers-by and celebrates our local identity’.

Our Goal:

The goal of the new GIL Library Hub is to:

Attract locals and visitors to the CBD invigorating Miller Street
Expand the library to meet current and future demand for its services and offer additional services to more people
Extend access to new technology and information services
To support new and existing local businesses
Expand access to services and facilities for locals and visitors

The GIL Library Hub project is made possible with the assistance of a range of funding contributors, including the Building Better Regions Fund (Rd 4), Gilgandra Shire Council, and NSW State Government funding through Your High Street, Create NSW, State Library Fund, and Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Neighbouring plaza upgrade concept

Council is also capitalising on the redevelopment of this key building in the CBD through enhancement and integration of the neighbouring plaza area with the GIL Library Hub (see plaza concept following). Read Council's media release (15 March 2021) here with an excerpt also provided as follows:

"It is an exciting project in not only developing the GIL Library Hub, but a further concept has emerged following project design meetings, Councillor workshops and community feedback to upgrade the adjacent plaza space. Ideas raised have included more greenery, shade and seating in our main street along with opportunities for bringing people to stop, stay and enjoy Gilgandra.

The proposal to upgrade the adjacent plaza space, includes the rebuild of the public toilets into the design of the GIL Library Hub. This allows for the main entry to the Hub to be from the plaza side and the plaza opening through to the river and Windmill Walk.

Public access to toilets would remain, the entrance to them would instead be through a recess into the GIL building, with a proposed modesty wall into the plaza, creating privacy, along with additional space and opportunity for community art and information. The relocation, although only a short distance, would see the toilets, with appropriate public and after-hours access from the plaza".

Updates:

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Community consultation

Public exhibition of the DA has closed, with consideration at the July 2021 Council meeting. The July 2021 Business Paper and associated attachments are available here.

Throughout the various stages of the project, feedback has been encouraged with regular community sessions and opportunities for feedback submission. Feedback is also welcomed at any time, which can be provided by clicking here or contacting Council via email council@gilgandra.nsw.gov.au or phone 02 6817 8800.

Click here to view form.