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Obviously libraries are pretty essential parts of any well-functioning society, and thankfully, Melbourne has plenty of amazing ones. But sometimes, the time comes for a library to level up.
If you haven't already heard, Maribyrnong City Council is currently seeking feedback from the community regarding current plans to transform the existing Footscray Library and adjoining car park into a massive new cultural hub. This development proposal joins the recent opening of the new Footscray Community Arts space on the banks of the Maribyrnong River.
Footscray Library 2.0 will include a new and improved library (rest easy, the books are staying), plus a performing arts venue and public park, with facilitating community connection and cultural celebration in the western suburbs at the core of the proposal.
Dubbed ‘Creative West’, the development is being driven by Maribyrnong City Council, with Melbourne-based firm Architectus leading the project, alongside design partners GLAS and Public Realm Lab. The federal government is on board too, pledging $5 million to the initiative under the Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program. The council has matched this amount, bringing the total funds allocated up to a fairly significant $10 million.
Maribyrnong council mayor Mohamed Semra said that the project is all about “revitalising Footscray”, with the aim being to “strengthen Footscray's reputation as a creative neighbourhood... (and) also support our current and future creative and cultural endeavours”.
Creative West will be made up of three core developments, with portals currently open for the community to say what kinds of features, design choices and experiences they'd like to see happen with each of them.
A fresh performing arts venue will potentially facilitate cool theatre, Fringe Festival acts and local talent, family entertainment and rehearsal spaces for community members, while the library is proposed to be renovated to include new study and reading spaces, expanded book selections and a modern refresh.
Finally, a ‘Town Park’ proposal is slated to address community call-outs for more green and open space in Footscray, with respondents asking for a green space that reflects First Nations and cultural history, and that is accessible to everyone.
This project is still in its planning stage, with construction a way off. In the meantime, you can let the planners know what you want to see, plus any thoughts you have via the online portal, with feedback accepted from now until March 1, 2026.
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