Officially the tallest building in Ballan, the new Library & Community Hub provides a range of modern community services including library services, designated areas for youth and children, maternal and child health services, an art exhibition space, visitor information centre and community meeting rooms.
Designed by Croxon Ramsay, the building is a two-storey steel structure with an attractive curved brick façade that complements other historical buildings in the area – a response to the aspirations of the local community received during an extensive stakeholder consultation process undertaken by the Moorabool Shire Council.
The ground floor provides for an inviting foyer, visitors information, gallery, seating spaces, returns room, children’s area and MCH consult rooms. The gallery is positioned along the front of the building to allow for exhibitions to be viewed from the street, even if the library is closed. The children’s library provides for reading, creative activities and opens to the outdoor plaza, adjoining the MCH area to allow for a children’s waiting space. The civic plaza is located to the east of the building, to connect to the open space behind the post office to create a pedestrian precinct.
The first floor provides for the main library space including the tech hub, quiet study, collaborative lounge, reading and seating areas and the library collection as well as the makers space and teen zones.
The site of the former Commonwealth Bank, the Library’s location is central to the burgeoning Ballan population. The project was delivered in the busy main street, with minimal disruptions to other local traders and the public.
