News

• 2005-02-07 - $30m works to start on Melbourne’s State Library

  The Minister for Major Projects, John Lenders, today announced the appointment of builders Hansen Yuncken Pty Ltd to manage the construction of the next stage of the State Library of Victoria’s redevelopment.

  Mr Lenders said about $190 million will have been spent restoring the library when the $30 million stage six works is finished in 2006.

  “The State Library of Victoria is one of Victoria’s most significant cultural icons and I am delighted to see work continuing on this historic Melbourne treasure,” Mr Lenders said.

  “Generations of Victorians have taken pleasure in the magnificent surroundings of the State Library, whether they have been studying for exams, reading for pleasure or accessing an abundance of research materials on offer.”

  Mr Lenders said stage six works include:

  • a new public restaurant
  • a shop to sell library merchandise;
  • new behind-the-scenes storage facilities and workshops; and
  • upgraded staff offices.

  He said the stage six works was due to start this month and finish by mid 2006. The final stage, stage seven – which will include Queens Hall and Barry Hall – is planned for completion in 2007.

  Mr Lenders said the State Library had remained fully operational and open to the public throughout the restoration process that started in 1990 and proceeded under successive governments.

  “Hansen Yunken has a strong record in the Victoria building and construction industry,” Mr Lenders said.

  Project milestones to date have included:

  • the restoration of the Dome buildings and the reinstatement of the historic skylights
  • the creation of glazed courtyards with views of the Dome;
  • the reinstatement of glass skylights to the McArthur, McAllan and La Trobe galleries;
  • upgraded services, including additional reading rooms and greater access to the library’s special collections;
  • modern information technology facilities; and
  • new public exhibition spaces to display the library’s heritage treasures.

  The Bracks Government is committed to preserving this building so that it continues to play its important role in our society for years to come,” Mr Lenders said.

• 2003-07-08 - New light on a Victorian favourite

  The Premier, Steve Bracks, today officially reopened the State Library of Victoria’s restored Domed Reading Room.

  He said the reopening marked the return of a muchloved space, which has been closed for renovations for almost four years.

  “The renamed La Trobe Reading Room is the highlight of the State Library’s extensive redevelopment program,” Mr Bracks said.

  “It is the culmination of a project supported by successive governments for more than a decade, commencing with the Cain Government.

  “The State Library’s grand reading room, first opened in 1913, recognises the right of every individual to access information, inspiration and ideas.

  “The Library has played a vital role in contributing to a knowledgeable Victorian society. Its role is to collect, preserve and make available Victoria’s recorded heritage.”

  The reinstatement of glass panels in the dome roof, covered in 1959 to prevent water seeping in, allows natural light into the 35-metre high, four-level space.

  Heritage Queensland Silky Oak tables and chairs have been refurbished and Internet connections installed to meet the needs of 21st century users.

  The reading room will house material from the La Trobe Collection, which includes more than 150,000 books, pamphlets, journals and magazines. It covers topics ranging from Australian history and biography, literature and culture, travel, Antarctic exploration and Aboriginal studies.

  Mr Bracks said the restored La Trobe Reading Room was a milestone in the Library’s $200 million redevelopment.

  He said when the Library opened in 1856 it had only two rules of entry: library users must be of good character and have clean hands.

  “Today the rules are pretty much the same. The Library remains a vast and varied house of information, ideas and inspiration – for everyone.”

  The La Trobe Reading Room will open to the public from 10am tomorrow (Wednesday).

• 2001-11-19 - First panes of glass installed In revamped library dome

  Glass panels will return to the State Library’s famous dome as part of the building’s $200 million refurbishment, due for completion in 2005, Minister for Major Projects and Tourism, John Pandazopoulos, said today.

  Mr Pandazopolous was at the library to inspect the first panels of glass to be installed in the Reading Room roof, which will allow sunlight in for the first time in 40 years.

  “Returning glass to the dome is part of major renovation works costing $62 million that commenced in 1999. The Reading Room is expected to be open to the public again in 2003,” Mr Pandazopoulos said.

  “The redevelopment will open new areas to the public and expand the library’s services. Exhibition galleries are also being created in the Domed Reading Room to display the Library’s collections, including Ned Kelly’s suit of armour and death mask,” he said.

  The Domed Reading Room, which opened in 1913, was inspired by two of the world’s great libraries, the British Library and the Library of Congress.

  The architect, Norman G Peebles, designed the octagonal building to provide accommodation for 500 readers. It consists of a basement, ground floor, first floor reading room and three gallery levels, which are being converted to exhibition spaces and study areas.

  “With some 1.7 million visitors annually, the State Library is one of Melbourne’s major cultural and tourism icons. The Bracks Government is committed to returning it to its former glory,” Mr Pandazopoulos said.

  “The refurbishment of the dome will restore one of Melbourne’s most significant heritage buildings, while the redevelopment will also bring library facilities first built in the 19th century, well and truly into the 21st century.”

  Some 1,500 design and construction staff would be employed during the life of the project, he said.

  The State Library’s redevelopment program began in 1990.

   

• 1999-09-21 - Major funding boost for states heritage assets

  The State Library and Echuca’s Loco Shed are just two of the states public heritage assets that will share in more than $3.4 million under the State Governments Public Heritage Program, the Planning Minister, Mr John Thwaites said.

  Mr Thwaites announced the round one funding today at Footscray Park, which will receive $160,000 for capital works to the Alfred Green Fountain and Thompson Water Garden.

  “The grants will be spread amongst almost 40 projects statewide, with the majority in rural and regional Victoria,” he said.

  “The $15 million Public Heritage Program, administered by Heritage Victoria, funds the conservation of the states historic public assets. These grants will be used for urgent repairs, restoration and refurbishment of important historic places.”

  Mr Thwaites said some of the key projects include:

  • The State Library of Victoria $800,000
  • Echuca Locomotive Shed $300,000
  • City of Launceston, Port Phillip Bay $60,000
  • Royal Melbourne Zoo $200,000
  • Maltzahn’s Farm, Lalor $216,000
  • Queen Victoria Gardens Beechworth $50,000
  • Condidorio’s Bridge $50,000
  • Rushworth Shire Hall $130,000

  Mr Thwaites said the funding recognises the State Labor Government’s commitment to protect and care for those publicly owned assets that enhance our heritage.