By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
COUNCIL has welcomed $750,000 in State Government funding for the Bunjil Place library.
Last week, the Andrews Government confirmed the grant, which was made available through the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, aimed at improving Victorian public libraries.
Casey Mayor Sam Aziz said the funding was welcome news for Casey Council and the Casey Cardinia Library Corporation (CCLC).
“This is much-needed funding that will ensure the new CCLC Narre Warren branch at Bunjil Place will enhance visitor experiences and interactions,” he said.
“It will guarantee the quality of the multi-storey open plan spaces and the specialised outdoor reading garden, providing an accessible library that will adapt to the needs of the community.”
He said the new library would be an “integrated facility” which will include other rooms including a customer service centre, a regional gallery, a studio theatre, a community plaza, and a cafe.
“It is anticipated that visitors will engage in multiple activities when at Bunjil Place so we’re expecting library visitation to increase by 25 per cent,” Cr Aziz said.
“This funding means that council can commit to adopting the best practice design principles to enable the library floor plate to be adapted to meet changing community needs and accommodate future growth”.
Councillors Damien Rosario and Wayne Smith, both also CCLC board members, echoed the mayors sentiments.
“This is a major boost for the community; giving this beloved and popular service the support it needs to continue providing valuable learning and cultural opportunities for Casey residents and visitors,” Cr Smith said.
For more information on the Bunjil Place project visit www.bunjilplace.com.au.
