Work begins on new Fairfield Library

Work began this month on the $2.5 million project at 1-3 Hamilton Road. Construction crews carried out internal demolition work to prepare the 1,000 sqm space to be transformed into a high standard community facility, with greater access to Council services.

The two-storey building will also allow future expansion of the new library as the need arises. It will replace the current library at Kenyon Street, which is less than 600 sqm in size.

Fairfield City Mayor Frank Carbone said the Kenyon Street site is too small to cater for current and future community needs.

“Council has invested heavily in our local libraries over the past few years, transforming them from storehouses of knowledge into centres of creative activity,” Mayor Carbone said.

“Education is important. No matter their age, we want every Fairfield resident to have access to both formal and recreational learning opportunities – whether it be a comfortable space for research and study or to borrow a good book to read in the comfort of their own home.

“We also want to make accessing the Council services our families rely on as easy and enjoyable as possible.

“That is why we are investing in Fairfield Library today as well as providing the opportunity for expansion in the future.”

The Kenyon Street site will be repurposed into a $1.5 million business hub with additional community spaces. Work at Kenyon Street will begin as soon as the new library at Hamilton Street is open to minimise disruption to library users.

“Council is committed to supporting local start-up businesses so they have the tools they need to grow, which provides more employment opportunities in our City,” Mayor Carbone said.

“The new business hub will provide work desks, internet and wi-fi access; as well as spaces for meetings and seminars, to support the needs of Fairfield’s growing start-up business community. It will also offer additional flexible spaces to provide for the community’s needs.”