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A New Library for Marrickville

Marrickville Council Major Projects

Early Works Project Completed

In late 2012, the Early Works project was completed. This project involved the urgent demolition of two redundant buildings – the former operating theatre and the 1960s boiler/laundry building. Both of these buildings were very dilapidated and in an un-safe condition.

In addition, hazardous materials were removed from the original heritage hospital ward building and nurses quarters building and from the two demolished buildings. Approximately 35 tonnes of hazardous materials and over 100,000 litres of contaminated water were removed from the site.

In addition, 1950s additions to the original hospital ward building and nurses quarters building were removed opening up the building ready for conservation.

Between February and April 2013, additional geotechnical investigations will be completed along with testing of soils to identify the extent of ground contamination that may exist on the site from the former hospital.

In additional, archaeologists will examine a section of the original 1890s footing and other potential archaeological relics that may exist on the site.

Architect Bill Dowzer briefing senior staff in the original heritage hospital building – after 1950s partitions and ceiling have been removed. This area is proposed to be part of the library general collections and reading area.
Staff and architect standing in the area of the proposed pedestrian walkway to run through the whole site.
Demolition of the former boiler and laundry building. Constructed in the 1950s, the extent of concrete in the slabs, walls and footings was extensive.
Recent 1950s additions being removed to expose the original heritage fabric and character. This is the northern part of the original heritage hospital building.
Part of level 1 of the original heritage hospital building – cleared of all 1950s partitions and ceilings.
Removal of the final parts of the former operating theatre building. This is the site of the open space in the winning design competition scheme.
The footing in the recess is part of the original 1890s mortuary building that was discovered under a section of timber floor that was removed during the demolition of the former operating theatre building. The footing is classed as an archaeological relic and will be examined in detail during 2013 by specialist archaeologists.
Demolition of the former operating theatre underway. Before demolition was allowed to proceed, all hazardous materials were removed by specialist contractors and
Photo showing main ward on Level 1 of the original heritage hospital building. It is this area of the hospital building that is proposed to be used as part of the library general collections and reading areas.
Another photo showing the men's ward of the original heritage hospital building.

New Council remains committed to building a new Library

At its meeting on 4 December the new Council reaffirmed its commitment to build a new Marrickville Library, identifying it as a priority project.

Council will explore options for a Public Private Partnership (PPP) to delivery the Community Hub concept.

In late 2012 and early 2013, Council conducted a survey to ascertain the communities views on a proposal to fund the construction of the new library via a special rate variation (SRV). Two surveys were conducted. The first via an online forum, have a say days, flyers and a survey form in an edition of Marrickville Matters sent to all residents. The second was via an independent telephone poll.

Both surveys were independently collated and analysed.

The results of the survey were presented to Councillors in a report to the 4 December 2012 Council meeting (see Other Documents below).

The following link provides access to the analysis report provided to Councillors:

The new Library project

Historical photo of the former Marrickville Hospital
Concept drawing of the new Marrickville Library
Map of new library site

In 1995 Marrickville Council purchased the old Marrickville Hospital site on the corner of Marrickville and Livingstone Roads with the intent of building a library and civic centre.

Over time however, these plans were delayed as Council concentrated on turning Tempe Lands into ten hectares of parkland, and began construction of the Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre and Waterplay Park.

The need for a new state-of-the-art library has not changed over the years, and in fact has become more urgent as the current library is too small and cannot meet the expanding size and needs of the Marrickville community.

Planning and community consultation around the development of the site, bounded by Lilydale and Marrickville Roads, was undertaken in 2011 and 2012 (see supporting documents below).

Fact sheets

Marrickville Council has produced a series of seven fact sheets containing essential information on the new Library project. These are available to download below in PDF format.

Consultation to date – what do you want from a new library?

The highly positive response from the local community has indicated to Council that the new library should be a place where people surf the internet, attend a class, read the latest newspapers or magazines, have a coffee and meet others.

The new library will host children attending free holiday entertainment, seniors learning about social media, and diverse community groups just coming together. Local citizens have told Council that the new library will be more than quiet reading rooms, it will also be a hub of community and lifelong learning.

So far, respondents have said they want:

  • children's activities and reading support; 
  • community meeting space;
  • electronic and audio books; 
  • history services;
  • Internet/WiFi connections;
  • displays and exhibition space;
  • safe learning space for young people;
  • study areas; and
  • workshops and education.

The current top five design priorities, as indicated by the community, are:

  • natural light and ventilation;
  • café;
  • accessibility (wheelchairs, prams, etc.);
  • bicycle parking; and
  • environmentally sustainable design.

Design competition and winner

In 2011 Council invited three architects to lodge tenders and put forward their initial concepts for the new library as part of a design competition.

Community feedback on the preferred library concept design was presented to Council at its 20 March 2012 meeting. This feedback was taken into consideration when assessing the three concept designs.

Council has appointed BVN Architects – the "blue" concept design – for the project. This was the architectural firm with the highest community support.

In June 2012 BVN Architects won the Sulman award for their Ravenswood School for Girls Library at Gordon. Bill Dowzer was the principal architect on that project.

The firm also won the Lachlan Macquarie award for urban design. Their project architect for that award was Olivia Hyde.

Both Bill and Olivia are involved in our library and hospital site projects.

Concept design for the new Marrickville Library (Bligh Voller Nield)

How to have your say

At the beginning of the consultation phase for this project, Council created a consultation page at www.yoursaymarrickville.com.au. On this page you can download design plans and fact sheet, find answers to frequently asked questions, and join Council's contact list to receive notice of future consultation events.

For more information, contact Council's Communication and Engagement Coordinator on 9335 2096 or comengage@marrickville.nsw.gov.au.

Supporting documents