Southern Grampians council moves full steam ahead on Hamilton's multimillion-dollar revamp

Hamilton could soon get a new multimillion-dollar library featuring a podcast studio, music recording facilities and gaming spaces, as part of a major overhaul of the city's CBD.

What’s going on: Southern Grampians Council this week released concept designs for a new community hub and library, while also approving the next stage of the separate CBD Streetscape Revitalisation Project. 

The background: The community hub, CBD streetscape and related civic projects have been in the works for several years as part of a broader plan to redevelop Hamilton’s city centre.

• Earlier council discussions and budget documents have suggested the full Community Hub and CBD works could cost tens of millions of dollars, depending on the final design and how the projects are staged. 

• The council’s most recent budget, at about $56 million in annual spending, also shows the size of competing projects across the shire, with major developments expected to be delivered over several years and funding cycles.

What’s in the design? The proposed community hub includes an expanded library with children’s and youth spaces, study areas and flexible community rooms. 

A key feature is a proposed “Fab Lab” with potential for technology such as podcasting, music recording, gaming and design tools.

• A Civic Square is also included in the broader precinct, designed as a flexible public space for events, gatherings and everyday use with seating, greenery and open areas.

• The design work for the project has been funded through a $5 million grant from the federal government’s Regional Precincts and Partnership Program.

Step forward for new CBD: South Grampians Council confirmed the CBD Streetscape Revitalisation Project will progress into detailed design following feedback for the original proposal.

• “We listened, went back to the drawing board, and worked with architects to create something the community could be proud of,” Mayor Dennis Heslin said in a statement.

What was the feedback? Residents supported improved footpaths, more greenery and better accessibility, while raising concerns about parking, drainage, lighting and tree selection.

Now what? Issues raised by community feedback will be addressed in the next design phase, alongside further engagement and technical work.

• Public feedback for the community hub design closes on July 8.