Council Seeks Community Feedback on New Batlow Library Plan

Published on 06 April 2018

Meeting room size, accessibility and building look and feel will be topics of discussion as Council seeks community feedback on the draft plans for the new Batlow Library.

Batlow community members and library users are being invited to review and provide comment on the concept plans for the new library/meeting facility to ensure that it meets the current and future needs of the community.

Council Director Assets & Infrastructure Matt Christensen said it was essential to take the concept plan back out to the community to ensure that the new building would suit their needs.

“We’re seeking the Batlow community’s input into the final design of the building in order to refine the concept plans into a detailed scope of works,” Mr Christensen said.

The new $1 million library facility, proudly funded by the NSW Government, will benefit a range of Batlow residents and visitors including children and youth, library users with mobility impairments, community groups, seasonal workers, library internet users, and users of the Literary Institute hall.

People can have their say on the future library in a number of ways.

As well as holding a public meeting and a pop-up at the current Batlow Library, Council staff will be in direct contact with key library user groups to gain their feedback on the concept plans.

Mr Christensen said the first round face-to-face consultation would be taking place from Monday 9 April.

“We will be meeting with key users groups including the local Batlow schools, the Batlow Development League and the Batlow Multi-Purpose Centre,” Mr Christensen said.

“We want to hear how they are currently using the library and how they see the new Library fitting their needs now and into the future.”

On Wednesday 18 April the wider community and library users will also have their chance to comment on the draft plans with a pop-up meeting at the Batlow library from 10am to 1pm and a community town meeting at the Batlow RSL from 6pm.

“It’s important for us to gain a good understanding of future-use opportunities and identify what is needed to meet accessibility requirements of the community,” Mr Christensen said.

The Community are being asked to provide input into the appearance and internal design and layout of the building to ensure it meets current and future needs.

“We encourage all interested parties to come along to either the pop-up or the town meeting and let us know your thoughts around the draft building design,” Mr Christensen said.

Community members who are not able to make a face-to-face meeting are encouraged to go online and give feedback via the Batlow Library Feedback Form at snowyvalleys.nsw.gov.au/batlowlibrary or email Council at [email protected] with their feedback.

For more information on the Batlow Library draft plans, please contact Director Infrastructure and Assets, Matthew Christensen on 69412525.