Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library

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• Early Works make room for future improvement.

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  Thursday 21 November 2024

  The streetscape of Warrawong Town Centre is set to change this week with the demolition of buildings on the corner of King and Greene Streets.

  The demolition of the Council-owned vacant properties at 54-68 King Street and 7-9 Greene Street is expected to be completed within four months, with works being undertaken to prepare the site for the future Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library project.

  While the demolition is underway, community members are asked to allow additional travel time through Warrawong Town Centre and to follow the advice and direction of traffic controllers.

  There will be mitigation strategies in place to reduce the impact on the surrounding community.

  “This is an exciting first step towards a reinvigorated town centre that will benefit residents of our southern suburbs,” Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.

  “The removal of these empty buildings will allow for detailed site investigations to be carried out in preparation for the Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library project to get underway.’’

  These works herald exciting changes for the busy suburb, which includes the proposed addition of new traffic lights at the intersection of Greene Street, Montgomery Avenue and King Street, and further upgrades to the Warrawong CBD including improved footpaths, roads and street lighting.

  “Investing in our suburbs is one of this Council’s top priorities, and that means delivering improved footpaths, roads and public spaces across the region,’’ Cr Brown said.

  “So, as we’re investing in quality community facilities, it’s essential we ensure that the amenity and accessibility is also considered. It makes sense to consider these projects holistically and to undertake works concurrently where possible.

  Following a successful development application for the Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library, Council is optimistic that the Federal Government will see the community benefit and the value of providing grant funding to support the delivery of this project.

  “Our local State and Federal representatives and Council have been united in the fight for additional funding to deliver the much needed, inclusive and functional facility that residents of our southern suburbs deserve,’’ Wollongong City Council Director Community Services Kerry Hunt said.

  “We’ve had many constructive conversations with both State and Federal Government representatives, and we’ve been clear in our desire to deliver a fantastic facility to support a range of services for residents in our southern suburbs, which includes some areas of significant disadvantage.

  “I am hopeful that they’re keen to invest in this project so that Wollongong Council can deliver this facility for our community sooner than later.’’

  Further information: Read more in our earlier Media Release: A new chapter for the Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library

• A new chapter for the Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library

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  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.’’

• Development Application Approved

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  The Development Application for the Centre and Library was approved by the Southern Regional Planning Panel in October 2022.

  Visit the NSW Planning Portal website to view the plans and reports that show how the building has been designed.