Contract awarded for major library refurb

Council has appointed arete Australia to carry out the $1.63M Noosaville Library renovation.

In preparation for the contractors taking over the site, two temporary library facilities have now been opened to maintain services while the Noosaville facility is closed for the refurbishment.

Council’s Libraries and Galleries Manager Kerri Contini said progress was well underway for construction works to commence in April and for services to be maintained for library customers throughout the renovation period.

“There is a facility within the Leisure Centre next to Noosaville Library to drop off library items and collect reservations, and a temporary library at Noosa Civic, just up from BCF, which has a larger borrowing collection and extra services such as Wi-Fi and public access computers,” Ms Contini said.

“It’s also a great opportunity for residents who typically use Noosaville Library to check out our high-tech Cooroy Library and the Mobile Library, which are both open as usual while the Noosaville revamp is underway,” she said.

Ms Contini said arete Australia, a division of Kane Constructions, had significant experience in similar construction projects featuring high-quality fit-outs, and a strong industry track record.

“The new-look library will feature an extra 80m2 of library space, technology maker space, outdoor Wi-Fi enabled reading courtyard, heritage library room, Radio Frequency ID smart technology and lighting and air-conditioning upgrades,” Ms Contini said.

Design highlights include feature joinery and special acoustic ceiling panels.

The Noosaville Library expansion is a joint initiative of Noosa Council and the Queensland Government whereby Council has received $805,954 toward the cost of the project under the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program.

Library staff are finalising the move and relocation of more than 60,000 books ahead of work starting on the renovations.

“We appreciate residents’ patience during the library’s closure and we look forward to the start of an exciting new chapter for Noosaville Library when work is finished towards the end of this year,” Ms Contini said.

16 March 2018