Ballan Library and Community Hub

Project typeArts and tourism
Project value$7.25 million (state government funding $5m, Council $2.25m, community $250,000)

Council is constructing a new library and civic plaza located at 127 Inglis Street, Ballan.

Key design features include:

library services,
designated areas for youth and children,
Maternal and Child Health services,
an art exhibition space,
Visitor information centre and
community meeting rooms.

Project Update (October 2024)

In June 2024, the old Commonwealth Bank building was demolished and earthworks and underground service installations quickly followed. August saw the pouring of the ground floor slab and the commencement of blockwork construction. Steel framing for both ground and upper levels was installed in September. Works will continue through October with further blockwork and roof sheeting scheduled for November. Overall, the project is moving forward and remains on schedule for completion in October 2025.

Update - earthworks & underground service — Ballan-Library-aerial-1.jpg

We expect some minor disruptions to nearby businesses and residents, including temporary road closures and noise disruption. We will notify the community of disruptions ahead of time through our Facebook feeds. Please observe all traffic and pedestrian signage.

Design Development

Concept Plans for the Ballan Library and Community Hub were developed to meet the operational needs and desire for a contemporary library and community hub for Ballan and surrounding areas. The design responded to the aspirations of the local community and was responsive to feedback gained during the community engagement process as well as meeting budget parameters.

The library facility was designed by Croxon Ramsay Pty Ltd.

Following the completion of detailed design a procurement process for appointing a construction contractor was undertaken and the contract was awarded to AW Nicholson in April 2024.

Funding and Community Contribution

The new library has been made possible thanks to:

$3.5m from the Growing Suburbs Fund

$1.5m from the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program

$2.25m from Moorabool Shire Council

$250k from Ballan and District Community Hospital

The Ballan and District Community Hospital has provided $250,000 to the project, which will lead to improved health and wellbeing outcomes for Ballan and the surrounding region. This contribution to this project will enable Council to fully deliver on our vision for a vibrant learning hub for our community to enjoy for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will construction works impact nearby residents and businesses?

Council will make every effort to minimise impacts to road users and the local community during construction. We expect minor disruptions, such as temporary road closures and construction noise, and will inform nearby residents and business of disruptions before they occur. We will notify the community of disruptions ahead of time through our Facebook feed.

When will the new Ballan Library construction be completed?

Works to construct the Ballan Library are scheduled to be completed in August 2025.

Has the community been consulted?

Yes. Phase one of community engagement was undertaken in September – October 2021 to gain an understanding of what the community values about the current Ballan Library are, what future services they’d like to see and their usage patterns.

A second phase of community engagement during May to July 2022 expanded on the themes from phase one to seek feedback to inform the design of the new library and community hub.

This feedback has provided an understanding of community aspirations for the building and has informed the development of the concept design.

Council thanks the many community members and organisations who provided their feedback and input throughout the design phases.

At the Ordinary Council Meeting held 1 February 2023, Council approved the Ballan Library and Community Hub Concept Plan.