New Caloundra district library and community space
The Caloundra administration building is being transformed into a state of the art new district library and community space.
The new Caloundra district library and community space will be a real page turner for the Caloundra residents in the south and the wider Sunshine Coast community.
Developed over 3 levels, it will include a contemporary district library, a customer service centre and community spaces built over levels 1 and 2.
- Level 1 will include an open foyer, event space with tiered seating, junior library, outdoor activity space and deck, young adult area, quiet reading space and magazine area, kiosk, and customer service centre
- Level 2 will include a large foyer and display area, main library collections area, reading lounge, digital studios, collaboration workspace and meeting rooms
- Level 3 will include an open foyer and event space, large flexible community meeting and venue spaces and council administration offices.
The refurbishment of the Omrah Avenue administration building is expected to start in mid-2023 and the new library and community building is scheduled to open its doors to the community and staff in early 2025, weather and site conditions permitting.
Background
The Caloundra library is one of the oldest and is the busiest library in the Sunshine Coast library network. With a floor space of 1120sqm, the current library was designed to cater for a much smaller catchment population.
The new district library will meet the demand for a contemporary experience that includes expanded program and service access, extended operating hours, and access to community meeting spaces.
Wilson Architects was appointed in 2021 as principal consultant to complete the detailed design for the repurposing of the Caloundra administration building, a new district library, community venue, customer contact centre and council administration offices.
On March 20, 2023, to pave the way for the rejuvenation of the Omrah Avenue administration building, council’s customer service centre temporarily relocated to 77 Bulcock Street, Caloundra.
The tender process for the repurposing of the building is currently underway and the construction contractor will be appointed within the next month, to start construction of the building in mid-2023, weather and site conditions permitting.
Project benefits
The construction of the new district library and community venue is the start of a series of changes to make way to rejuvenation of the town’s heart, a new precinct for community and creativity.
Upon completion, approximately 150 council staff will continue to work from the new district library and community building.
This project will deliver significant social, community and economic benefits, and support educational and creative development in our region by giving our residents and visitors access to a modern facility to connect and learn and keep them abreast of new technologies and innovations.
The establishment of a new contemporary district library in the heart of the community and creative hub will create an integrated space. It will connect The Events Centre, a new Caloundra regional gallery, and the new town square, through to Bulcock Beach.
Behind the design process
Designed by Wilson Architects with sustainability at its core design response, the new state of the art district library and community venue will include features that will reduce environmental impact and embrace the Sunshine Coast climate.
The library will offer a typical Queensland indoor/outdoor experience with spaces for all ages and users.
The design pays homage to the building’s iconic butterfly roofline and soaring ceilings and responds to its location advantages, particularly the nearby green space of Bill Venardos Park, Caloundra.
The library will draw you off the street into an outdoor, covered extension to the building. As you step into the foyer a wonderful 2 storey void opens up connecting the first and second levels of the library. It will offer a place for all our residents to keep abreast of new technologies and innovations, and to learn and discover.