MEDIA RELEASE - New Kirrawee library project set to be a major ‘plus’ for local residents

Sutherland Shire residents are set to enjoy access to a new technology focussed library “unlike any other”, with construction on the new $10m ‘Kirrawee Library+’ project with works commencing on site today.

Once completed, Kirrawee Library+ will augment Council’s eight existing libraries by offering customers access to an exciting mix of technology, shared work spaces and state-of-the-art facilities to support local performing artists and digital creators to hone their skills.

Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce was joined on site today by Member for Miranda Eleni Petinos and Ward Councillors to mark the start of construction on the project which is set to take shape in coming months on the ground floor of Kirrawee’s South Village residential and retail complex.

Mayor Pesce said he was delighted to see the project getting underway, fulfilling a long-term vision by Council to deliver quality new community facilities to Kirrawee residents and the wider community.

“The new Kirrawee Library+ facility will deliver all the features people love about our amazing local libraries, but with so much more on offer to cater for the changing needs of our community,” Mayor Pesce said.

“Once complete, this facility will deliver a suite of purpose built facilities that go well beyond what people might expect of a traditional library, with facilities for film screenings, conferences, film editing and live recording of music among the incredible features to be delivered.”

Once complete, Kirrawee Library+ will offer the community;

  • beautiful spaces to meet, study and work,
  • bookable spaces for events, such as conferences and film screenings,
  • recording and film studios to create music, stories and podcasts,
  • access to high quality books; and,
  • a bright new children's space.

Mayor Pesce said the delivery of the Kirrawee Library+ will fulfil Council’s long-term vision to deliver new community facilities to service the needs of local residents, catering for the growing number of people who call Kirrawee home.

“The South Village complex was among the most significant housing developments ever undertaken in the Sutherland Shire, and Council was always mindful that new residents to the area would need ready access to quality community facilities,” Mayor Pesce said.

“Council showed tremendous foresight in ensuring space was set aside within this development to accommodate a purpose-built community facility, with local residents having since told us what they wanted to see delivered in this space through extensive community consultation.

“I would like to thank all those who provided input into this process, and to all those who have shaped the design and generously contributed funding to bring our communities shared vision to life.”

The $10m library project will be delivered with the assistance of a $5.98m grant through the Department of Planning and Environment’s Accelerated Infrastructure program, and a further $250,000 contribution through the State Library NSW’s Public Library Infrastructure Grants program.

Minister Scully said he was proud to support the delivery of the new library, with a significant injection of state government funding contributed towards the project helping to see it leap from blueprints to bricks and mortar.

“The NSW Government is proud to support quality infrastructure projects like the Kirrawee Library+ which bring communities together by providing engaging spaces to study, research, meet and collaborate,” Minister Scully said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing this project once complete, as I know such an amazing facility will be warmly embraced by the Kirrawee community.”

Member for Miranda Eleni Petinos said she was excited to see work on the project get underway, noting it would deliver local residents a suite of technology focused facilities which would better serve the changing needs of the community.

“This state-of-the-art facility will support our community to learn, come together and make the most of digital services and new media through recording and film studios as well as a theatre space,” Ms Petinos said.

“The Kirrawee Library+ facility will deliver something truly different to the traditional library experience and cater to a whole new generation of library users.”

Construction on the project is due to be completed in early 2025 - for more information, visit: Featured Projects Kirrawee Library+