Major Projects Victoria has announced the four shortlisted consortia in the running to design the State Library of Victoria’s $83 million redevelopment.
The design teams are:
- Architectus and Schmidt Hammer Lassen, supported by Andronas Conservation Architects, Irwin Consult and Steensen Varming Engineers
- ARM Architecture, supported by Bryce Raworth Heritage Architects, Bonacci Group and Norman Disney & Young Engineers
- Conrad Gargett and Lyons Architecture, supported by Bonacci Group and Norman Disney & Young Engineers
- Hassell, supported by Purcell Heritage Architects and AECOM Engineers
The redevelopment involves expansion of the library’s public spaces to create a more accessible and adaptable facility. The dome galleries are to be transformed into open access collection spaces and the Russell Street entrance will be re-opened.
The historic Queens Hall, the oldest part of the library, and the original heritage reading room will also be restored so it can be re-opened to the public.
The project aims to enable greater visitor numbers to the library, with new learning and play spaces for children and families and a new innovation hub and digital media centre with technologically enhanced spaces to foster entrepreneurship.
The winning design consortium will be announced in March 2016. Construction will begin in 2017 and the project is expected to be completed in 2020.
