Work is underway on the City of Melbourne’s newest library and community hub – creating more jobs and activating the city’s growing inner north, bringing key services closer to home.
The new Munro library and community hub will transform the Queen Victoria Market precinct, occupying three storeys of the $500 million Munro development.
Detailed new designs reveal the hub’s rooftop terrace will feature lush lawn areas, native plantings and panoramic views overlooking the Queen Victoria Market precinct.
The 3,100m2 hub will also feature a range of amenities, including:
- A three-level library, including a dedicated children’s library
- A Family Services Centre, with maternal health consulting rooms, a parent room, playgroup room and secure outdoor play area
- A Creative Makers’ Space, providing residents and visitors with access to 3D printers, laser cutters, paint booths and sewing machines
- Podcast and audio recording studios
- Communal study, meeting and events spaces.
As part of the City of Melbourne draft Budget 2023–24, $3 million will be provided to complete the site, which will open later this year.
Renowned Australian construction firm Buildcorp is leading the project – bringing life to the designs developed by community and stakeholder engagement and Council’s Future Libraries Framework 2021–2025.
Council has also worked closely with leading Melbourne architecture firm Six Degrees Architects, landscape architects Bush Projects, and Traditional Owners and Elders to ensure the space is accessible, inclusive and welcoming for all.
The new library and hub are part of Council’s Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal program, providing Melburnians with better access to public open space, connections to the city, and community services.
The Munro development is already home to a 500-space underground car park, 48 affordable housing dwellings, build-to-rent residential apartments and a boutique hotel – and will soon feature new retail and hospitality outlets.
For more information on the Munro Library and Community Hub, visit City of Melbourne.
Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“We’re proud to mark another milestone for the momentous Munro development, as construction and fit out works begin on the spectacular new library and community hub.”
“Using the lure of literature, we’re attracting more city workers and residents to the Queen Victoria Market precinct – with a library, community spaces and essential family services in the heart of the city.”
“With a $3 million boost in our draft Budget 2023–24, we’re proud to deliver on our commitment and shape our city’s future by getting on with this important project.”
“The new Munro site will create more jobs and deliver an estimated $70 million of economic and community benefit to the growing city north precinct.”
“We know libraries are a treasured part of our community – so far in 2023, City of Melbourne libraries have welcomed 297,000 visitors, and loaned 330,000 physical books as well as 351,000 digital assets.”
Quotes attributable to Creative Melbourne portfolio lead Councillor Jamal Hakim
“We’re excited for the Munro site to be the next creative cornucopia of Melbourne – the go to spot to brainstorm ideas with colleagues, dream up your next passion project or catch up with friends.”
“We’re always looking for more opportunities to create inclusive, accessible and diverse spaces where Melburnians can come together – and more libraries in our city is one of the ways we’re doing this.”
“The Munro library and hub is a hub for everyone and will support a growing community in our city’s north – providing spaces for students to study, for kids to learn in the new children’s library, and welcoming spaces to collaborate and learn.”