A new chapter for the Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library

Monday 31 July 2023

While its doors are still a few years’ away from opening, the Southern Suburbs Community Centre & Library is one step closer, with Wollongong City Council opening an Expressions of Interest process for construction of the major project.

It’s an exciting milestone for the residents of Berkeley, Lake Heights, Cringila, Warrawong, Port Kembla, Primbee and Windang.

“This is a major, multimillion-dollar project for Council and such a significant investment in our southern suburbs,’’ Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“For the residents of this area, they’re one step closer to a facility is similar in concept to the purpose-built, combined community centres and libraries at Dapto, Corrimal and Thirroul.

“And while we might be a few years away from the expected opening in 2026, this step is something to recognise and celebrate.’’

Planning for the new facility in Warrawong has been underway for many years with budget set aside in Council’s Infrastructure Delivery Program to support its construction.

“Major projects like this take time to deliver, Wollongong City Council General Manager Greg Doyle said.

“It’s important to Council that the community is a part of the process as we look to deliver a quality facility which will be inclusive, safe, welcoming and accessible.

‘’While we’ve undertaken community engagement during the planning and design phases of this project, now we’re sharing this exciting update, and I’m sure, like me, there are a lot of people who just can’t wait for it to open.’’

Caption: Artist's impression of library interior

In addition to the phases of community and stakeholder engagement, there has been a lot of “unseen” work happening behind the scenes to facilitate the opening of this building.

This work has included:

• Detailed design of the new building
• Compulsory acquisition of several properties along King Street, which will be demolished to make way for the new building.
• Development Application and approvals for the construction.
• Planning around flood risk management and traffic management.

“We’ve had to work through a compulsory acquisition process for properties on King Street, and the three-level building has had robust planning around it to manage flooding risk, streetscape works and intersection improvements,’’ Mr Doyle said.

“In fact, reading the scope of works is fascinating as it demonstrates the broad range of skills that will be required for the delivery of this project. We’re talking everything from people who can work with steel and concrete, to trades that are skilled in hydraulics, audio visual, flood management and landscaping.’’

The building will be built on the corner of King and Greene Streets in Warrawong on a parcel of land that’s currently home to the existing community centre, as well as other properties on King Street.

Construction is anticipated to start during the first half of 2024 and take about 24 months to completion.

“This is a building that is estimated to cost more than $30million once it and its associated works, like road intersection works and improvements, have been completed,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“There has been a lot of talk recently about Warrawong’s centre and potential changes to this area and this only increases the need for a hub that provides a range of services to the surrounding community.

“This building will change the landscape of the Warrawong Town Centre. It’s Council’s intention for this to be a real community hub, and a space where people can visit, learn, play and socialise.’’