What's new

Public Art - 'Who's got the chippies?'

Who’s Got the Chippies? is a three-piece sculptural installation by Victorian artist David Doyle, a regular exhibitor at the Sculptures at Killalea exhibition. The fun artwork consists of six simplified seagull forms, arranged in a grouping which is typical of the birds. The artwork installed in the courtyard area, encourages interaction and prompts a joyful response from library visitors.

Come in and see what everyone's talking about!

The new Warilla Library was officially opened on Wednesday 11 December 2019 by Shellharbour City Mayor Marianne Saliba.

About the build

Construction Gallery

Project milestones

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    Adoption of Libraries and Museum Strategy

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    Community engagement

    Responding to the Libraries and Museum Strategy, Council engaged with the community to gather an understanding of what the community would like to see in the new Warilla Library and how they would like to use it.

    The concept design was developed using feedback from extensive community consultation. The goal was to create a flexible, modern and welcoming space that feels like a ‘community living room’

  • Timeline item 3 - complete

    Design development

    Council appointed Brewster Hjorth Architects to develop the design for the new library.

    In November 2017 Council granted the consent to Development Application No.514/2016 to construct a community facility for use as a library and associated carparking at Woolworths Avenue, behind Warilla Grove Shopping Centre.

  • Timeline item 4 - complete

    Construction tender

    The construction tender opened in September closing late October 2018. All submissions were assessed and a contract was awarded to Patterson Building Group Pty Ltd in November 2018.

  • Timeline item 5 - complete

    Construction starts

    Patterson Building Group has started work on the new Warilla Library, with an expected completion in 2019.

  • Timeline item 6 - complete

    Official opening

    You’re welcome to join us as the Shellharbour City Mayor, Councillor Marianne Saliba officially opens the new building on 11 December at 10am.

Background and vision

This project is one of the opportunities that was identified in the Library and Museum Strategy 2024. The Strategy established the guiding framework for developing the future of our Libraries, including Warilla Library.

About the project

Construction of the new Warilla Library is now complete with the furniture arriving over the next few weeks. Library staff are busily preparing for the move into the new space!

The new library, located within Keith Fletcher Park (behind Warilla Grove Shopping Centre), is a modern, flexible, and welcoming space. The new branch library for the city, replaces the existing Warilla Library located on Lake Entrance Road.

It has over 900m2 of indoor and outdoor space, comfortable seating, a technology hub including free Wi-Fi and computer access, meeting and study rooms, dedicated children space and good accessibility.

The building’s scale, roofline and the use of a range of natural materials combined with large amounts of glazing provides openness and transparency both externally and internally.

The development of this new facility was identified in the Libraries and Museum Strategy 2024.

Vision for the new Library

The design for the Library was developed around a clear vision for services and facilities that meet community needs and expectations.

A community living room - a relaxing and modern space with a coastal vibe. The space will provide a comfortable and safe place for people to come together.

Flexible and inclusive - the building has different zones for different uses including dedicated areas for children, young people and adults including quiet study and meeting rooms. The moveable furniture and shelving enable the space to change the look and feel from time to time and also open areas to support programs and activities.

The building has two recharge points, providing designated areas for people to safely recharge their electric mobility scooter or wheelchair battery, free of charge.

Reflects place - community feedback was important to help ensure the new library supports the needs of the existing community and new residents while telling a story of the local area and its history.

The new building will provide a link to nearby shopping centre, park and residential area.

Entertaining and educational - equipped with free Wi-Fi hotspots and charging points. Seperate meeting space for makers and creators. Digital services are available 24/7 to download magazines, music and books. The new library will provide a range of programs and activities to meet all needs.

Warilla Library mood board

Capturing community feedback, Brewster Hjorth Architects used this image for design inspiration.

About the design

The new library is located on the corner of Woolworths Ave and Commerce Drive within Keith Fletcher Park.

Extensive community consultation was undertaken to develop a community vision for the library.

Drawing inspiration from the community vision the architects Brewster Hjorth have designed a open building that takes advantage of the park and street views.

The coastal style centres itself around bringing the outside in, this has been achieved by wrapping the building around the internal courtyard. The building is flooded with natural light from the floor to ceiling windows, natural ventilation and high ceilings throughout the space.

The interior design will have a sophisticated palette inspired by the water, sand, shells and local vegetation. Moveable shelving and furniture will create a flexible space that can change to suit the needs of the library.

Community Art will feature throughout the building.

FAQs

Council’s Libraries and Museum Strategy 2024, adopted in March 2014, identified the need for major improvements to Warilla Library’s facilities as a priority for Council.

Responding to the Strategy, Council engaged with the community to gather an understanding of what the community would like to see in the new Warilla Library and how they would like to use it.

Taking into account the requirements for the new library, Council assessed Keith Fletcher Park as the most suitable site for the new Warilla Library.

Moving to a new site brings the opportunity to provide upgraded facilities and even better services.



The concept design was developed using feedback from extensive community consultation. The goal was to create a flexible, modern and welcoming space that feels like a ‘community living room’ including;

  • Over 900m2 of indoor and outdoor space
  • Comfortable seating
  • Technology hub including free wi-fi and computer access
  • Meeting rooms and study rooms
  • Dedicated children and youth spaces
  • Good accessibility

Patterson Building Group started construction on 26 November 2018. Construction updates will be provided.


We're changing, not closing

The existing Warilla Library on Lake Entrance Road will remain operational during the construction of the new Library.

There may be some disruption to services as we approach the move phase to the new building. Council will advise customers of any changes at the time.



Council has undertaken a tender process for the construction of the new Warilla Library. At the Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 13.11.18 Council accepted the tender of Patterson Building Group Pty Ltd to construct the new Warilla Library.

We will provide regular updates when the construction commences.