• Project: New Generation Bendigo Library

• Location: Bendigo

• Client: City of Greater Bendigo and Goldfields Library Corporation

Project Description

The New Generation Bendigo Library incorporates the refurbishment of an existing 1984 building with frontage to public gardens in the historic centre of Bendigo. Comprising 4,000 square metres of functional area over two levels and offering state-of-the-art services the library includes meeting spaces, cafe, volunteer resource centre, children’s library and ‘cubby house’, gallery spaces and upgraded research facilities.

An internal street connecting the two new entrances engages the community with both the interior activities of the library and the adjacent gardens and Town Hall beyond. Above the street a‘lantern’ forms the new urban heart of the building, providing a kaleidoscopic cathedral of light that transforms with the passage of the day.

Making a significant contribution to the regional regeneration of Bendigo the redevelopment boasted nearly 55,000 visits during its first month of operations, a boost of 26%, with similar volume of loans. Most importantly new memberships increased over 230%, exceeding the clients highest expectations.

MGS Architects delivers Victoria’s second largest library to the Bendigo community: “The thing I am most proud of is the community response.”

Marg Allan City of Bendigo’s Project Director

”In the first ten days, 20,000 people have visited the library, with 700 new members…that is just amazing. It is a wonderful community accomplishment. The government is thrilled to support it.”

Peter Ryan Deputy Premier, at the official opening