Take a peek inside Green Square’s new library

Green Square residents are invited to a sneak preview of their new $47 million state-of-the-art library and plaza at a site tour next month.

Locals will be able to take a closer look at the spectacular 16-metre glass entry pyramid, seven-storey glass tower, open-air amphitheatre and sunken garden – all currently under construction.

The City of Sydney’s project managers, community facilities staff and builders will be on hand to answer questions about the new library and plaza, which are expected to open in mid-2018.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the library and plaza would take pride of place in the heart of Green Square, an area soon to be home to more than 61,000 people.

“Green Square is one of the fastest growing precincts in Australia, and we’re doing everything we can to make sure it grows into a wonderful city neighbourhood with the services and facilities our residents and workers need,” the Lord Mayor said.

“We have committed $540 million over the next 10 years to the Green Square town centre, including the highly anticipated library and plaza that will sit at the heart of this community.

“The library and plaza will give local residents and workers a welcoming space to read, relax, practise music, watch films, hold events and spend time together.

“It’s exciting to see the library taking shape, from the dramatic entry pyramid leading into the underground library, to the elegant tower that will provide a bird’s eye view of the plaza below.

“I invite locals to come along and see how construction is progressing and learn more about the great new facilities they’ll be able to enjoy in the near future.”

The tours will take attendees around the steel and concrete frames of the entry pyramid and tower and look down into what will soon be a sunlit underground library with an open air garden, amphitheatre and café.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to get up close to the library’s tower, which will contain a music room complete with baby grand piano, reading rooms, community spaces and a technology suite.

When complete, the development will also feature a modern outdoor civic plaza with lawn, a water play area for children, and space for community events, film screenings and markets.

Representatives from the library’s architects, Stewart Hollenstein and Colin Stewart Architects, and builders, John Holland, will be on hand during the tours to answer questions about its design and construction.

The project is targeting a five-star design rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.

Artists Michael Thomas Hill and Indigo Hanlee from Lightwell will also be onsite to discuss how they are using local weather patterns and tidal information to create High Water, a digital public artwork to be installed in the plaza.

The new library and plaza sits at the centre of the 278-hectare Green Square development area, which includes the suburbs of Beaconsfield and Zetland, and parts of Rosebery, Alexandria and Waterloo.

Over the next 10 years the City will complete extensive infrastructure and streetscaping works throughout Green Square. New community facilities will include an aquatic centre, creative centre, childcare centre and more than 15 parks and open spaces.

When fully developed, Green Square will accommodate close to 61,000 people living in 30,500 new homes, and provide around 21,000 permanent jobs.

Green Square Library and Plaza site tour

When:             2pm to 5pm on Saturday 5 August 2017

Where:            Meet at south end of Ebsworth Street, Zetland

Note:               There will be a Welcome to Country and welcome by the Lord Mayor at 2.45pm. Please wear trousers, long-sleeved tops and sturdy closed toe shoes to ensure your safety.

RSVP:             Registrations are essential

For media inquiries or images, contact City of Sydney Media Team Leader Keeley Irvin. Phone 0448 005 718 or email [email protected]

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, phone 02 8974 4165 or email [email protected]