Library Construction Begins
It’s exciting times for communities of the Fleurieu Coast with the new multi-use Library facility at 181 Main South Road Yankalilla beginning construction this week.
Mayor Simon Rothwell was joined by Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie MP, Chief Executive Nigel Morris, Harmonic Design Studio’s Lachlan McEwen, and Community Library Advisory Group Representative Ross Trigg to officially break the ground on the construction site before the excavator moved in.
The journey to building a new Library has been 7 years in the making and after much community input, and consultation with our Community Library Advisory Group, local building designer Harmonic Design has delivered a modern functional design that integrates old and new, celebrating the past and building for the future.
Local Building Designer Lachlan McEwen said, “The infrastructure that is here is in an excellent location and that is being expanded, this is going to become a pivotal centre for the community.’
“The materials have been selected to complement and contrast the existing building, but importantly take cues from surrounding public buildings such as the neighbouring school. The colours were inspired by a restrained sense of vibrancy suitable for public space and for all ages. The tones of red and sandstone pay homage to the colours seen in the neighbouring school’s windows and metalwork while the splashes of colour inside the Library resonate with local sporting teams such as the yellow highlights that complement the local Yankalilla Tigers”, said Mr McEwen.
Council has appointed Building Solutions (SA) Pty Ltd to construct the $1.1m purpose-built facility and leveraged their $1.1m budget to secure an additional $740,000 in external grant funding.
A $490,000 grant has been received from the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program for the sealing of Thomas Street, car parking, including disability parking, and footpath construction from sustainable Asphalt utilising waste plastics, as well as funding lighting, stormwater treatment, landscaping, and raingardens.
Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie also secured $250,000 of grant funding towards the fit-out of the facility. Ms Sharkie said, “The new library will have improved mobility access, more engaging multi-use spaces and will be fitted out with upgraded technology.’
“Libraries have become the village hub right across our communities, they are really well patronised from young people through to people who are retired as well as visitors”, said Ms Sharkie.
Mayor Simon Rothwell said, “The new Library is a positive outcome for the community made possible through the collaboration of the Community Library Advisory Panel, Harmonic Design, and the District Council of Yankalilla.’
“There are many benefits to the community, besides a modern fit-for-purpose facility, there will be more space to run programs, more meeting space available and the current temporary Library space can be returned for community use”, said Mayor Rothwell.
The Library construction is aimed to be completed by the end of this financial year.
