Project overview

The existing Gympie Library located at 8-14 Mellor Street, serves as the Central Library for the GRC Library network. The building accommodates the Gympie Public Library as well as the main administrative offices and resources for supporting the additional five Branch libraries located across the Gympie Regional Council Area as well as home lending services. GRC Library statistics indicate the Library has a high proportion of population membership and high visitation rates by residents as well as visitors to the region. The Library network has a developing online presence, further enhancing connectivity to services and the collection.

The Library is positioned on the eastern edge of the Mary Street Central Business District, the historical commercial and administrative heart of Gympie. Sited in a Civic Cultural precinct, the Library has close proximity to the Heritage listed Town Hall Council Chambers and the Gympie Civic centre, a substantial community cultural Hub. The masterplan proposes a new freestanding Library to be built on the existing Library carpark and site of the former Community Services Building. The concept proposes two levels of Library space over a partly excavated undercroft carpark that maximises the existing contours of the site. The core site arrangement philosophy is to activate the precinct through creating a destination building that enhances and nurtures the Library activities within, while also creating external public spaces that contribute to the Library experience while enabling improved connectivity. By making the pathways within the site attractive, comfortable and equitable pedestrian connections, it is envisaged that the community will engage with the library both intentionally and serendipitously through the act of walking by.