Townsville’s latest premier showcase of community centred design was unveiled on Saturday 29 April with Townsville City Council opening its modern Riverway Library, a new space to connect, cultivate and transform the culture of the city.
More than 10,000 people attended the precinct for the opening of the modern and innovative library. Citylibraries Riverway is co-located with the Pinnacles Gallery, Riverway lagoons, sports facilities, boardwalks and open spaces which has helped Council grow its next major activity precinct for families in the city.
The community day featured local entertainers along with appearances from Australia’s most popular family entertainment export, Bluey. The man behind the voice of Bluey’s grandpa resides in Townsville and Citylibraries Aitkenvale studio has been used to record show segments in the past, so Bluey has great connection to the region.
The construction of the facility kicked off in May last year following an internationally award-winning consultation with community to ensure Townsville locals had their say on the design of the modern library.
The modern and innovative library space includes a creative hub for locals to create and record audio and video, 24-hour meeting and study rooms, a business lounge and parenting room, all designed to support locals’ professional and artistic growth. New 24/7 reservation pick up lockers are available outside the café so library customers are able to pick up their reserved items at the time of day that suits them best.
Community and Cultural Development Committee chairperson Ann-Maree Greaney said securing Bluey for the event was a coup for Townsville’s premier family and community destination.
“As the home to the city’s best swimming lagoons, boardwalks, barbecues, gardens, nationally-rated sporting fields, Riverway Stadium and now our modern Riverway Library, the Riverway precinct is a stand-out community and cultural hub,” Cr Greaney said.
“With nearly 50,000 families calling Townsville home, I know that this addition to the Riverway precinct will be well-used both now and into the future.
“Accessibility was a strong focus throughout the design and construction phase, ensuring visitors of all abilities can safely use all spaces within the new library. This includes accessible toilets and wheelchair-accessible entry into all meeting spaces.
“As a parent myself, I know how convenient it is to be able to take the family out to a one-stop shop. With the Riverway Library opening, you’ll be able to stop by the library to borrow some books or get some work done, collaborate with other creatives, head to the café to grab a coffee, take a look through Pinnacles Gallery, and then go for a swim or stop by the playground, all within steps of each other.”
The $8.5 million project was fully funded by Townsville City Council across two financial years, with works awarded to Hutchinson Builders, creating 12 jobs for Townsville locals.
The new Riverway Library also complements the city’s two other public libraries at Aitkenvale and Flinders St, providing another location for locals and visitors to access books, DVDs, music, WiFi, meeting spaces and community programs.
