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
Material Used :
FLOOR COVERING
LINOLEUM - Forbo - Marmoleum ‘Real’; Blue (3030) and Chartreuse (3224)
VINYL - Forbo - Surestep Star ‘Mercury’
TILES
Classic Ceramics - Bathroom Floor Tile: 300x300 Tecnica ‘TK14 Transval’
Ceramic Solutions - Kiosk Floor Tile: 200x200 Opticorn ‘Anthracite’
PAVING - Bamstone - Blustone Paver: Diamond Sawn (Exterior) Honed (Interior)
FLOOR SAFETY - Classic Architectural Group - TredFx
WALLS INTERNAL
TILES - Classic Ceramics - Bathroom/Kiosk Wall Tile: 300x100 Santosa ‘Alaska’ Matt
ACOUSTIC - Woven Image - Echopanel ‘Black (542)’
TIMBER - Woodform Architectural - Dressed Spotted Gum
PAINT - Dulux - Limone, Whisper White, Black, Calf Skin.
CEILINGS INTERNAL
ACOUSTIC - Woven Image - Echopanel ‘Black (542)’
ACOUSTIC - KNAUF - Cleaneo ‘Alternating Circular pattern 12/20/66
JOINERY
FEATURE
Leto Bamboo - ‘StrandWowen’
Mitchell Plastics - Perspex ‘Solar Yellow’
COMPONENT
Laminex - ‘Sublime Teak’ (Riven and Natural Finish), ‘Sassi’, Charcoal, Smoke Mirror
Wilsonart‘ - Neon’
LIGHTING
Zumtobel - Tecton Series, Credos Series, Panos Series, Vivo Series and Opura Series Freestanding lamps
Hub Furniture - Celine Wright 3/4 Sphere
WALLS EXTERNAL
WALL PANEL - Vitrapanel - Façade System ‘Limone’ and ‘Charred Forest’
TIMBER - Woodform Architectural - Dressed Spotted Gum
GLAZING
EXTERNAL - AWS Commercial - SERIES 626 Double Glazed FrontGLAZE™
INTERNAL - AWS Commercial - SERIES 400 Single Glazed CentreGLAZE™
DOORS - BESAM - Unislide Heavy Duty Frameless Entry doors
SOFFITS AND ENTRY CANOPIES EXTERNAL
Vitrapanel - Façade System
Dulux ‘ - Limone’ and ‘Charred Forrest’
SHADE CANOPY
Locker Group - Perforated Metal
Powdercoat Finish:
Dulux - ‘Limone’ and ‘Black’
SANITARY EQUIPMENT
HANDBASIN - Caroma - Cube
TAPSET - Raymor - Academy
WC SUITE - Caroma – Metro, Care 800
GRAB RAILS - RBA Group
