Creative West

Council continues to advocate for the redevelopment of Footscray Library into a state-of-art hub to foster a vibrant and thriving community. Working with key stakeholders, the long-standing project (formerly known as NeXT Project) seeks to deliver an inclusive place that welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds and invites residents, visitors and tourists to enjoy:

• a world-class library and learning hub to enhance learning, creativity and innovation
• a large-scale flexible performance/events venue to support creatives and inspiring audiences across the west
• a shaded park with integrated spaces for wellbeing, recreation, gatherings and events for the community
• a vibrant centralised activation space for the Footscray CBD that will stimulate and drive economic, employment and business activation well into the future

Show your support for Creative West

The Creative West project strives to improve access to a range of cultural and community spaces that are currently lacking and support our community in experiencing all of Victoria’s cultural offerings.

While the West’s cultural institutions are strong, there is a significant lack of large-scale performing arts spaces in Melbourne’s west, with only one 500+ seat theatre in Moonee Ponds Clock Tower Centre. Performing arts seats per capita in Melbourne’s east outnumber spaces in the western metropolitan region 2 to 1. Without further investment in culture making and performance spaces, these growing communities in Melbourne’s west will not have adequate or equitable access to the arts and the benefits they provide.

Contemporary library facilities are integral in fostering access to learning opportunities in an economically and culturally diverse society. Maribyrnong is home to more cultural diversity than Greater Melbourne. Creative West will ensure all community members have access to quality learning and literacy resources, arts and contemporary digital technologies.

Access to shared and green spaces are essential in supporting community wellbeing and connectedness. Through developing such spaces, we can provide greater opportunities for our people to thrive both individually and as a community collective.

The impact of a vibrant arts and creative cultural economy is wide ranging. Aside from its intrinsic value in promoting a creative, reflective and adaptive community, the arts also promote physical and mental wellbeing, stimulate economic growth, and foster creative and clever ways to design, enhance and build a better city for improved social, economic and community development. 

Council is ready to invest funding and land to realise Creative West in the heart of Footscray. This project will support and inspire performers, artists, and inspire audiences across the West and provide a venue in a location of high need and demand. This project will be pivotal to sustain and leverage Footscray’s eclectic arts scene and rich diversity, driving a vibrant day and night economy, and more sustainable creative economy across the region.

The Creative West project will provide our vibrant and creative community with much needed library, performance and greenspace to support learning, creativity, connection and wellbeing. 

More information

To find out more about the project contact Council’s Libraries, Arts and Culture team by phoning 9688 0200 or send an email to email@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.

Join the Campaign for a Creative West

The only way make Creative West a reality is through the support of both the Victorian and Federal Governments. 

You can express your support via email to your local Members of Parliament urging that they get behind Creative West.

Below we've listed all relevant Members of Parliament.  If you're unsure of who your local Members of Parliament are, use the tools listed at the bottom of this page.

Unsure of who your local Members are?

If you're unsure of who your local State Members of Parliament are you can enter your address into the quick search available via the Victorian Electoral Commission website.

If you are unsure of who your local Federal Members of Parliament are you can use the Find my Electorate tool available via the Australian Electoral Commission website.