The City of Melbourne wants to see a public library relocated to Federation Square, under a proposal it has submitted to the Victorian government’s review of central Melbourne’s most important public space.
The council says it would consider investing $15 million to the relocation of City Library, currently located in Flinders Lane, as well as $7 million to revamp the Koorie Heritage Trust, originally designed by Lyons Architecture and Indigenous Architecture and Design in 2015, when it relocated from King Street.
The council’s proposal is contingent on it being appointed manager of Federation Square, with responsibilities for tenancies, maintenance and activation.
“We have a proven track record of delivering major events - Moomba, New Year celebrations, Melbourne Music Week, Melbourne Fashion Week - to name just a few,” said Lord Mayor Sally Capp. “We have the talent and experience to bring Melburnians back to Fed Square.”
“This much needed investment would preserve the cultural and civic value of this iconic Melbourne space and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, making Fed Square the home of Melbourne’s most popular lending library would provide Melburnians with free access to event spaces, creative technologies and world-class resources.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a new benchmark for Australian libraries and celebrate our city’s indigenous history.”
Deputy lord mayor Arron Wood added, “Investing $15 million to relocate our City Library will attract one million more visitors to the Square per year, bringing life and economic activity to the Square. That foot traffic will be critical to the existing small businesses in Federation Square.
“The Koorie Heritage Trust does an amazing job of teaching Australians about our Aboriginal history. This $7 million funding boost will ensure the stories the Trust tells and the experiences it offers reach even more people. We know one of the key issues our international visitors identify is the desire for more opportunities to experience and understand Aboriginal culture.
“Federation Square brings people together – be it for a meaningful cultural experience, to watch a great match on the big screen or to enjoy a bite to eat. This initiative will ensure Federation Square’s appeal is sustained.”
The Citizens for Melbourne lobby group, formed in the wake of a plan to bulldoze a part of Federation Square for an Apple store, has called on the government to either back City of Melbourne’s proposal or exceed it.
“The City of Melbourne’s vision for Fed Square is compelling. What options are the state government putting on the table?” said Tania Davidge, architect and president of Citizens for Melbourne. “Fed Square requires a renewed civic focus and funding for community programming to ensure its future success. The City of Melbourne’s proposal for Fed Square is exciting and civic minded. The State Government needs to show the community its vision for Federation Square.”
