Yarraville Library will be moving to the Bradmill Precinct
Published on 11 September 2024
The Yarraville Library branch will move from its current site on Wembley Avenue to the Bradmill Precinct at 341-351 Francis Street, Yarraville, with Council endorsing the relocation following multiple community conversations and a detailed assessment of options.
The current Yarraville Library, while well-loved and centrally located, is no longer fit for purpose. The building, which is Council-owned, is in fair to poor condition and does not meet Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) requirements. It also lacks the capacity to expand services to accommodate the growing needs of the community.
With this in mind, Council undertook two community conversations to understand the community’s appetite for remaining in the current location, redeveloping the current library, or moving to the Bradmill Precinct with an expanded footprint.
Over 800 community members participated in the engagement process in late 2023 and early 2024, highlighting a strong preference for a larger and more modern library.
The Bradmill Precinct is set to undergo substantial development, with plans for 1,300-1,500 new dwellings and a Neighbourhood Activity Centre, which Mayor, Cr Cuc Lam said makes it an ideal location for a modern library that will serve the community effectively for years to come.
“Relocating to the Bradmill Precinct not only aligns with the needs of our community but also offers an exciting opportunity to enhance our library services and facilities for the benefit of all residents,” Mayor, Cr Cuc Lam said.
Key benefits of relocation include:
- A significantly larger building with up to five times the floor space of the current library.
- Improved facilities including bookable meeting rooms, a digital lab, and dedicated spaces for children and teens.
- Ample parking, including dedicated spots for parents and accessible spaces.
- Reduced capital expenditure and earlier delivery compared to rebuilding on the current site.
- Faster delivery of an upgraded Library, with a potential opening in 2028 and no disruption to the Library service.
The decision reflects Council’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible services that meet the evolving needs of our growing community.
The next steps involve planning and budgeting for the capital and operating costs associated with the new library, with fit out expected to occur in the 2027-28 and 2028-29 financial years.
Maribyrnong News
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