By Cam Lucadou-Wells
About 80 extra car parking spaces will be created after demolition of Narre Warren’s former civic centre and library, according to Casey Council.
The project will help to address complaints about parking shortages at the nearby Bunjil Place, though not the lack of nearby disability spaces.
According to a council report, the 79 extra car spaces were required to meet planning requirements for Bunjil Place.
The civic-arts precinct, which opened in October, includes a replacement library and council offices – as well as 155 car spaces already built.
Mayor Geoff Ablett said the former buildings were “old and tired”, requiring significant funds to bring them up to standard.
“The old Civic Centre was originally built in 1978, with further works being undertaken in 1984.
“Both buildings served the public for over 30 years and have now reached the end of their useful life.”
Cr Ablett said the land would be used for “other purposes” as well as the 80-space car park and intermediate works.
“We are currently undertaking the planning work required to understand Council and community requirements for the area and the precinct as a whole.
“Council will work to ensure disruptions from demolition are minimal and will communicate any impacts these works will have on the surrounding area with affected stakeholders and the community.”
A competitive tender has been awarded to R & C Asphalt Paving for the demolition and car park construction.
Works are due to begin in late May, and finish by the end of October.
Its cost is reported to be within the council’s $1.8 million budget, though its exact figure has kept confidential.
