Sunshine Coast Council has appointed Brisbane firm Wilson Architects to complete the detailed designs for the Caloundra District Library.
The project will transform the aging council chambers at 1 Omrah Avenue into a three-level contemporary library with community meeting space and council administration offices.
It will replace the existing Caloundra Library, just across the block, which is the Sunshine Coast’s busiest library and is “bursting at the seams.”
Wilson Architects prepared the concept designs for the new library, which were endorsed by council in April this year. Those designs pay homage to the building’s butterfly roofline and “beautiful soaring ceilings,” and respond to the neighbouring green space of Bill Venardos Park.
Preliminary designs for Caloundra District Library by Wilson Architects.
Image: Wilson Architects
Each of the library’s three levels will be dedicated to different uses. On level one there will be dedicated children’s areas, customer service desks, as well as a covered outdoor room and deck and event space. Level two will feature library work areas, collections, quiet spaces, amenities, outdoor activity space, “maker space,” as well as a podcast recording room and meeting room. Level three will house councillor offices and a variety of bookable community meeting rooms.
The library is one of a number of projects planned for the centre of Caloundra, along with an events centre, a regional art gallery and a new town square.
Construction is expected to commence in 2022 for a 2024 completion.
