Works set to begin on new addition to Riverway community precinct
Date published: 13 May 2022
The next chapter of the Riverway Lagoon and community precinct will begin later this month as works begin on a new library and community hub.
Townsville City Council will relocate the Thuringowa Library to Riverway and had awarded the exciting refit project to Hutchinson Builders.
The new library design has been based off extensive feedback from the community about what they expect from a modern library.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the new library had been designed hand in hand with the community to cater to library user needs and attract more people to the Riverway precinct.
“We already have the city's premier swimming lagoons, board walks, barbeques, gardens, Pinnacles art gallery and nationally-rated sporting fields and stadium as part of the Riverway precinct.
"A modern library is much more than just a place to borrow books and will add another valuable community asset to what has become the city’s epicentre for community and culture,” Cr Hill said.
“Along with the library, Council is also refurbishing the Ecoactive Centre near the children's playground and has also released the tender for the commercial lease of a café.
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said the library was designed around the community’s needs and expectations.
“The community told us they wanted the new library to have study rooms, safe spaces for at-risk youth, digital production studios, parenting rooms, a business lounge and after-hours meeting rooms to support a growing remote workforce.
“The design and function of this new look library has been based on community feedback about what residents expect from a modern library now and into the future.
“Relocating the library to Riverway also makes long-term financial sense because Council owns the Riverway Arts Precinct and will not have to pay rent on the building.
“The multi-million-dollar project will be funded across two financial years and once complete, will further establish the Riverway precinct’s reputation as Townsville’s premier community space.”
The new library is set to be completed by mid-December, weather permitting.
Residents will still be able to use Thuringowa Library during the construction of the new library or one of Council’s libraries in Aitkenvale or the city.
