Southbank library is moving, but you can still have a word

At the beginning of this month, a 900sqm space within the new Boyd Village was handed over to the City of Melbourne – a space that we now know will accommodate a new Southbank library.

From now through to August 15 community members will have an opportunity to participate in engagement seeking input on proposed changes, albeit within a limited scope.

It’s limited because development and budget for the new library and its former space have already been determined: stage one, a fill-out of a new library within the cold space of Boyd Village and stage two, a refurbishment of Boyd Community Hub.

According to a paper prepared for the Future Melbourne Committee meeting on July 1, decision-making was based upon several key considerations including a dramatic shift in Southbank demographics that projects population growth from 26,500 in 2023 to 44,500 by 2043 with children aged 0-14 making up the fastest-growing demographic (up a whopping 187 per cent) and a 51 per cent increase in residents 60-plus by 2036.

Through the 2024 Neighbourhood Survey, Southbankers expressed a desire for more community-oriented, bookable spaces accessible at all times of the day, spaces for activities for children, family and youth, and spaces for study, events and sports.

So, what is the purpose of the engagement? The council is looking for feedback on the fill-out of the new Southbank library service usage, programs and accessibility, as well as how refurbishment of the Boyd Community Hub can best serve our community.

Community input could guide decision making about the collection of books, operating hours or use and feel of public spaces in the library, etc.

Change can be hard, and many people are attached to Southbank Library’s current home. I’ll admit that was my first impression upon hearing the news.

But after reading through the report, I now understand what a smart decision the move is in order to create an infrastructure that will fill the needs of an expanding and changing Southbank.

Families are a growing key sector of Southbank with needs that a thriving community hub and children’s library will help nourish. Opportunities for connection and community building will be increasingly important for our growing older-aged population.

As rising house prices make home ownership beyond reach for many, Southbank will become less of a stop over for students and new residents and increasingly a place where people come to set down permanent roots.

Smaller living spaces inherently place more importance on “other” places for Southbankers: restaurants, outdoor green and multi-use areas, and community spaces.

The new Southbank library at Boyd Village, combined with community space and programs at a refurbished Boyd Community Hub, will help fill these changing needs.

I encourage you all to take advantage of the opportunity to provide feedback during the community engagement. Yes, the big decisions have already been made, but there is still an opportunity for Southbankers to shape what community programs they’d like to see offered in these new spaces.

The City of Melbourne will soon announce particulars of the engagement process including an online survey, pop-up info-sessions and meetings with impacted stakeholder groups all of which will be posted on Participate Melbourne, Southbank Neighbourhood Portal or by joining southbank3006.com.

Let’s use our voices to help the council create community places and programs designed to meet the specific needs of one of Melbourne’s most unique and rapidly changing neighbourhoods. •