ICYMI, the Queen Victoria Market precinct is undergoing a major redevelopment (a fancy food hall just opened) and now you find a cosy nook to devour a good book there too, as a brand new community library is now open to the public.
The Narrm Ngarrgu (meaning 'Melbourne knowledge' in Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung language) library is part of a $500 million development on Therry Street, and it's the first new library in the City of Melbourne in the last decade. Three floors of the building make up the 3,100m2 library, including a dedicated children's library with unique carpet artwork designed by Aboriginal artist Maree Clark.
The $15.7 million state-of-the-art facility also has a family services centre (with maternal health consulting rooms and a playgroup area), podcast and audio recording studios, event spaces, meeting rooms and a creative makers' hub complete with 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines and paint booths. It's pretty much a one-stop shop for community services.
Melburnians can enjoy more than 80 heritage and never-before-seen artworks throughout the building, as well as a rooftop terrace featuring lush lawn areas, native plants and stunning views of the market precinct.
"Using the lure of literature, we’re attracting more city workers and residents to the Queen Victoria Market precinct – with a library, community spaces and essential family services in the heart of the city," said Melbourne lord mayor Sally Capp. "We’re expecting 24,000 new residents in the area by 2040, so we want to provide additional community facilities to meet the needs of a growing population."
The Munro development forms part of the renewal project for Queen Victoria Market. In addition to the new library, the site will also feature a community hub, underground car park, retail outlets, a boutique hotel and apartments.