Why are we building a new Coburg Library and Piazza?
Following an extensive community engagement project known as The Coburg Conversation, in 2024 Council endorsed Revitalising Coburg: Objectives which set out six key areas for change, including the objective to develop a new library in the heart of Coburg, and the objective to develop new inviting public spaces in Coburg.
Coburg Library was originally constructed in the 1960’s as a supermarket and was repurposed as a library approximately 40 years ago. The existing building is inadequate to support current and future populations and visitation. A new library building will accommodate and provide a contemporary library service, with cultural and community uses in Coburg.
There is a shortage of open space in Coburg, so a piazza in the heart of the neighbourhood will provide an open gathering space that allows for diverse community and civic events. The new piazza will provide multi-functional space, increased tree canopy coverage and water sensitive urban design elements.
Coburg Library and Piazza Vision
Coburg Library Objectives
Coburg Library will be a dynamic place of creativity, lifelong learning, and social connection.
Curated collections and programs will respond to the social and cultural needs of the whole community.
The dedicated children’s and family area will spark imaginations and foster early learning.
The new library will embrace technological innovation and support digital access throughout.
Adaptable opening hours and different types of spaces to meet, study and gather will enable more people to access the library more often.
Coburg Library will serve as a vibrant hub for culture and creativity, expanding Merri-bek’s rich history of supporting the arts.
The new library will create opportunities for the whole community to engage in arts and culture through performances, exhibitions and hands-on creative activities.
It will also provide a platform for sharing and celebrating the stories, identities, histories, and values of our diverse community.
The library’s design will integrate engaging and innovative public art approaches.
Coburg Library will feature a distinctive and welcoming civic identity that reflects the community’s unique character, including the rich culture of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples.
Accessibility, inclusivity and safety will be prioritised through thoughtful design ensuring people from all backgrounds, faiths and abilities can fully enjoy the facility.
The library will serve as a vibrant hub that maximises visitation and benefits for the community and provides essential social services.
Coburg Library will be designed for maximum flexibility and adaptability, allowing for multiple uses, services and activities to occur simultaneously.
The provision of quiet spaces and louder areas will ensure the library remains a dynamic and inclusive space for all.
This flexible space design will ensure the library is future proofed for changing demand and evolving populations, as spaces will be able to have the ability to adapt over time and respond to emerging community needs.
Coburg Library will be a leading example of sustainability and respond to climate challenges by reducing its environmental impact during construction, operation and end-of-life reuse with user comfort and safety front of mind.
It will showcase principles of the circular economy with recycled materials and smart design to save energy and water.
The building will feature thriving plants and greenery, and the spaces in and around the building will have flexible areas for people to relax and gather.
The building will be equipped to serve as a refuge during extreme weather events, providing a safe place for the community.
Coburg Piazza Objectives
The Civic Space will engage people of different background, genders, abilities and ages. It will be universally accessible, and active throughout the day and evening. It will be a place that all people feel equally safe and welcome to visit and use.
The Civic Space will be interactive, multifunctional and creative. It will foster a variety of experiences, interactions and activities, from quiet gathering to large events and celebrations. Its well-proportioned scale will provide a sense of place and enclosure, creating a vibrant urban space.
The Civic Space will contribute to the resilience of the local environment through climate positive design, leadership in integrated water management, regenerative landscape and urban biodiversity, and sustainable and durable materials. The design will feature native plant species and celebrate the local ecology while embracing innovative technology and solutions.
The Civic Space will be a place where people feel connected to nature and which maximises soft landscape, water and shade. It will be a comfortable, well-greened space featuring natural materials and integrating extensive planting and tree canopy.
The Civic Space will be a vital focal point and connector in the network of streets and spaces in central Coburg, linking an east-west green spine from the Upfield rail corridor to the civic precinct. It will be edged by streets full of activity supporting vibrant public life. It will provide a welcoming arrival to the library and seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor spaces of the new facility.
Coburg Library and Piazza Scope
The library is proposed to be delivered as a 3000m2 (total gross floor area), multi-storey building situated within the new piazza. The piazza is proposed to be a 2000m2 space, which is appropriate for the scale and context of central Coburg and will enable the delivery of the vision and objectives. Refer to the endorsed document for further information.
Preferred location for the new Coburg Library and Piazza
The preferred location for the Coburg Library and Piazza, subject to exploratory investigations which will be presented to Council in April 2025, is the southern part of Waterfield Street West site (Coburg Station Site). This is the part of the site that does not include the Coles supermarket building (which currently houses Schoolhouse Studios as a temporary use).
See proposed preferred location, highlighted in pink below.
Please note the pink highlighted area is the entire preferred site for further investigation for the Library and Piazza, however the actual footprint of the library and piazza will only cover up to 3500m2 combined.
What happens next
A design competition will commence to procure the Coburg Library and Piazza concept design. Once the winning entry is awarded by an independent jury of design experts, the draft concept design will be returned for Council endorsement and then for community engagement in January 2026.
At that time, you will have an opportunity to share your thoughts on the draft concept design for the new library and piazza. Hit the '+Follow' button at the top of this page to receive email updates when we begin consultation.
We know you may have questions or concerns about this project that feel urgent so we welcome you to share them with us in the section below. We will get back to you with a response as soon as we can.
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