A new Learning and Library Hub is coming to Warrnambool!

The Victorian Government is partnering with South West TAFE and Warrnambool City Council to deliver a $20.25 million Warrnambool Learning and Library Hub.

The new Learning and Library Hub will replace the existing library in Liebig Street, within a much larger, brighter, modern and more accessible space.

The new space will provide iconic, fit for purpose, accessible, technologically advanced learning and library facilities for both the community and South West TAFE staff and students.
The Victorian Government, Warrnambool City Council and South West TAFE recognise the importance of delivering a state-of-the art learning and library hub for the people of Warrnambool.

This exciting new community space will bring together TAFE and library facilities in a new and refurbished building on the South West TAFE campus where TAFE students, community and visitors are able to come together in new, larger, modern and accessible spaces, Kosloff Architecture is designing the new facility and the project includes the refurbishment of an existing heritage-listed building on the campus as well as a new build contemporary section across multiple floors.

A builder is expected to be appointed early 2021 and completion and opening of the new hub is expected in mid-2022.

Community consultation informing the design 

Designing the joint-use learning and library hub is well underway, and earlier this year we invited the Warrnambool community to share their vision, ideas and opinions to feed into the designs for the new facility.

A range of face-to-face consultation sessions with community members were conducted, as well as a comprehensive online survey via Engage Victoria from 6 February to 6 March 2020. Click here to view the full report.

In particular, we wanted to know how the community would like to use the new Learning and Library Hub, what makes a library special and the most important elements that should be considered in the design, as well as how the community would access the hub. We wish to thank the Warrnambool community for taking the time to share your thoughts and suggestions. All of this input provided clear guidance as to what our community wanted to see in the future facility and has steered the concept designs for the project to include:

1. A warm and inviting facility filled with natural light, so we’ve included as much glazing and timber as we can to the sustainable design.
2. An indoor/outdoor café, public computers, exhibition and display area, places to study, meeting rooms, and games and digital media zone.
3. We’ve made sure it is accessible to all, including lifts and an adult changing place.
4. Space for children, so we’ve provided a dedicated children’s zone, changing facilities and an outdoor children’s garden and play area. 
5. Improved opportunities to access education are being provided with access to learning programs, digital media as well as digital literacy support, as well as access to SWTAFE learning support services.
6. Multi-purpose facility, so we have provided a range of flexible areas and zones, some of which are activated and noisy, some which can be used for meetings and collaboration and some which are quiet and private.
7. A designated space for senior members of the community, and a dedicated youth zone. Plus, importantly, plenty of wonderful spots to read or study quietly and enjoy the views over the surrounding precinct and Lake Pertobe.
8. It will offer an expanded book collection and improved library service.
9. Having the opportunity to locate the new facility on a site amongst historically significant buildings of Warrnambool provides a fantastic opportunity to repurpose part of these heritage buildings, so they can be used and enjoyed for many more years to come.
10. Ease of access with entry points at both Gilles and Kepler street provides expanded parking opportunities for visitors.

Frequently asked questions

What is a ‘Learning and Library Hub’?
This unique and exciting new community space in the CBD will be a place that brings together library and learning facilities to meet the needs of both the community and South West TAFE students and staff, in new and refurbished buildings at the TAFE’s Warrnambool Campus.

The hub will house our new community library, along with the latest technology, resource materials and a range of shared community, event, study and reference spaces to expand and improve our current facilities and provide better access for residents, visitors and South West TAFE students and staff.

Where will the new Leaning and Library Hub be located?
The hub will be located centrally on South West TAFE’s Warrnambool campus and have easy access points from both Gilles Street and Kepler Street.

When will the new facilities be opened?
It is expected that the facilities will open early to mid-2022.

Who is responsible for the Learning and Library Hub if it is on the SWTAFE campus?
While South West TAFE will own the facility, Warrnambool City Council will manage it. The library will be part of a range of services available to the community, SWTAFE’s students and staff and visitors to the region. Some SWTAFE services and programs will also be operating out of the facility, and available to the community to access.

Is there any community consultation?
Community consultation has been taking place throughout the design phase, which so far has included a comprehensive Engage Victoria Survey, pop-up stands and face-to-face workshops and engagement sessions.

Will local tradespeople be employed during the construction phase?
Under the Local Jobs First network, there is a requirement that government-funded projects include a quota of local contractors and suppliers, as determined by the local industry development plan.

More information

For further information about the new hub, visit the website of Warrnambool City Council or South West TAFE or view the below brochures:

• Learning and Library Hub Key Factsheet
• Learning and Library Hub FAQs
• Learning and Library Hub Community Engagement Report

You can also stay up to date with the latest news on the Learning and Library hub below.
If there is anything you would like clarified, please get in touch: WCC 5559 4800 or SWTAFE 1300 648 911