New Library, Community Hub and Civic Square

Southern Grampians Shire Council is inviting community to help shape the future of Hamilton, with concept designs for the new Community Hub, Library and Civic Square now available for public feedback.

Residents are encouraged to explore the concept designs online and complete a short survey to share their ideas and help guide the next stage of the project.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Cr Dennis Heslin said the release of the concept designs marks an exciting milestone for the region.

"We're excited to share these concept designs with our community," Cr Heslin said. "This project represents a significant investment in Hamilton's future and will create welcoming, accessible spaces that bring people together, connect residents with services, and support community life for generations to come."

Drawing on feedback gathered during the first round of community engagement in February, the concept designs feature a contemporary two-storey multipurpose building that brings together a new library, community meeting spaces, Council customer services and other tenanted services under one roof.

"Having multiple services in a central location will make it easier for residents to access the support and facilities they need," Cr Heslin said.

"The architects have carefully considered what our community told us earlier this year, and these designs reflect many of the ideas, aspirations and priorities that were shared."

A key feature of the proposed Community Hub is an expanded library designed to support learning, creativity and connection for people of all ages. The concept includes flexible multipurpose spaces and a proposed "Fab Lab" that could provide access to technology, innovation and hands-on learning opportunities.

"Now we're asking the community to help us shape what those spaces will ultimately look like," Cr Heslin said.

"What would you like to see in a Fab Lab? Could it include podcasting and music recording facilities, creative maker spaces, design software, gaming technology or simulators? This is an opportunity for you to share what facilities and experiences our community would like to access."

The proposed Community Hub also includes a range of meeting and gathering spaces designed to support local groups, organisations and individuals, creating opportunities for people to connect, collaborate and socialise.

Alongside the Hub, the concept designs include a new Civic Square that could become a vibrant community destination for events, activities, celebrations and everyday use. The space is designed to balance large community gatherings with casual daily activities, offering seating areas, green open spaces and places for families and visitors to enjoy.

Within the proposed library, dedicated areas are planned for children's and youth programs, along with quiet study and workspaces. An outdoor garden area is also included, providing opportunities to take programs such as Story Time into a safe and engaging natural setting.

Council is encouraging residents to view the designs, ask questions and provide feedback either online or in person at the Community Hub Pop-Up Shop, located at 107 Gray Street, Hamilton.

Council staff will be available to speak with residents from Tuesday 9 June – Friday 19 June 2026.

• Tuesday 9 June to Friday 12 June: 10:00am – 4:00pm
• Saturday 13 June: 10:00am – 1:00pm
• Monday 15 June to Friday 19 June: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Residents are also invited to attend a Community Information Session at the Hamilton Cinema on Wednesday 17 June 2026 between 6:00pm – 7:30pm where architects and staff will present the concept designs, provide opportunity to answer questions and listen to community feedback.

Feedback closes 5:00pm Wednesday 8 July 2026 and will help inform the next stage of the design process.

The development of the concept and detailed design work is funded through the $5 million secured under Stream 1 of the Australian Government's Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP).

Residents are invited to share their ideas and help shape the future of the new Community Hub, new Hamilton Library and Civic Square, with the first stage of community engagement open from 11 March 2026.

This initial engagement invites community to share ideas about what they would like to see included in the new spaces.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Deputy Mayor Cr Helen Henry said the project has the potential to transform Hamilton and the broader region for generations to come.

“At the heart of the proposed Community Hub will be a new Hamilton Library with dedicated digital spaces—a future-ready place to spark ideas, build connections, and foster belonging,” Cr Henry said.

“The library and digital hub will offer flexible spaces for programs, events, and learning, expanding access to education and technology while supporting young people’s future pathways.

“The Hub will also bring together Council offices, allied health services, and essential programs like maternal and child health, alongside adaptable spaces for community activities.

“A shared foyer and customer service area will create a seamless, people-centred experience, making it easy for residents to access multiple services in one location and strengthen collaboration across agencies.

“The Civic Square will form part of the heart of Hamilton providing a central, open gathering place for community events and pop-up activations, offering much needed green space within the CBD.”

This is the first of three planned engagement opportunities with the current phase focusing on capturing community ideas and aspirations.

The second phase planned for April or May this year will invite feedback on concept designs, followed by a third opportunity for residents to review and comment on detailed designs.

“For now, we want to hear directly from our community,” Cr Henry said. “Tell us what would make the new library your ‘go-to’ place each week? What services or programs are currently missing in Hamilton that the new library could provide? What types of spaces do people need most? What events or everyday activities should a Civic Square support? And what would make these public spaces feel welcoming and reflective of Hamilton’s identity?”

Residents can complete the online survey, contribute ideas to the online ideas wall, or provide feedback in person via display boards located at the Hamilton Library with feedback closing end of March.

Hamilton Library is one of Victoria’s leading regional libraries, yet at just 482 square metres it is significantly undersized for the community it serves. Contemporary planning benchmarks indicate Hamilton should have a library nearly twice its current size, and even larger when considering its role as the service centre for the broader Southern Grampians region.

Demand already far exceeds capacity with program participation currently 35 per cent above the Victorian average, with sessions booked out within hours, and around 66,000 people visiting the library each year.

Southern Grampians Shire Council CEO Tony Doyle said the current facility was operating well beyond its intended capacity, highlighting the need for larger spaces.

“Without a dedicated program space, staff are routinely forced to reconfigure the library floor just to deliver essential activities,” said Mr Doyle.

“The need for a modern, purpose‑built Community Hub is further underscored by regional social and economic challenges. Southern Grampians has lower tertiary education rates, limited household internet access, an ageing population and higher‑than‑average levels of social isolation and family violence.

“Many residents rely on free, accessible public spaces and services to learn, connect and participate in community life. The project also responds to the lack of green, civic gathering spaces in Hamilton’s CBD.

“A new civic square would provide a welcoming, flexible place for events and everyday use, linking key cultural destinations and creating a vibrant, walkable precinct.

“Through this investment, Council aims to strengthen community wellbeing, support lifelong learning and ensure the region has the facilities it needs for a thriving future,” concluded Mr Doyle.

The Community Hub concept and detailed design package were included as part of funding secured through the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, with $5 million granted in October 2024.

Council has committed $17 million to the project and is seeking a further $17 million in government support to deliver the full $34 million development for the Southern Grampians community.

Residents can find more project information as well as the survey and online ideas wall atNew Library, Community Hub and Civic Square | Engage Southern Grampians

Published on 02 December 2025

Demolition at 90-92 Lonsdale Street Hamilton will move ahead with works set to commence 27 January 2026. This marks a major milestone in the ongoing revitalisation of the Hamilton CBD.

Warrnambool-based contractor Murrihy Demolitions will complete demolition works, which will prepare the site for the new Hamilton Library, Digital Hub and Government offices.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin acknowledged the patience shown by the community throughout delays to the site.

“Thank you to everyone for your understanding while we have worked through the necessary planning and legal processes in readying the Lonsdale Street site for demolition,” Cr Heslin said.

“Projects of this scale take careful planning and coordination, and we want the community to feel confident that every stage has been, and will continue to be, completed with community front of mind.

“These buildings have been a part of Hamilton for a long time, and now they will make way for a completely reimagined CBD precinct. The new library, digital hub and government offices will transform the look and feel of the area and modernise the space. We’re really excited to show everyone what’s to come.”

The project will involve the complete demolition of existing structures including the former Toyworld and Mitre 10 buildings, as well as EPA approved asbestos removal, waste management and the eventual levelling of the site. Materials will be disposed of safely, with all relevant certificates provided to Council.

To protect nearby properties, demolition along shared boundaries will be completed by hand, with contractors to carry out roof protection works where needed. Neighbouring businesses will be kept informed ahead of any temporary service interruptions.

The demolition will be broken down into six carefully planned stages over approximately six weeks. This is designed to minimise disruptions as much as possible.

Fencing will be erected at the site from Friday 5 December 2025, with the demolition beginning on Tuesday 27 January 2026.

Council and Murrihy Demolitions will work closely with those in neighbouring properties to accommodate deliveries and access needs during demolition periods.

Community safety remains the highest priority. The site will be fully fenced and signed, with traffic management in place during short closure periods. Dust suppression, noise minimisation and continuous waste removal will ensure the project is completed with care for both the environment and the surrounding precinct.

“We understand that demolition works can be inconvenient, and we appreciate the patience of those who work nearby,” said Cr Heslin

“This project is a very important investment in the future of our town, and your cooperation will help us to manage that as smoothly and safely as possible.”

If you would like to read more about this project and the future of the Hamilton CBD, check out all the details on our website. To stay up to date with Council plans, consider signing up to our newsletter.

Published on 13 November 2025

Southern Grampians Shire Council is taking a major step towards creating a vibrant new community precinct in the heart of Hamilton, with the appointment of Lyons Architecture to lead the detailed design of the Hamilton Library, Community Hub and Civic Square endorsed at last night’s Council meeting.

Following an extensive procurement process, Council endorsed Newpolis Pty Ltd (trading as Lyons Architecture) as the preferred tenderer to deliver the next stage of design work for the landmark project.

The contract, valued at $1.91 million (ex GST), will progress the designs for the Community Hub and associated public spaces.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said the project represents an exceptional opportunity to reshape the heart of Hamilton.

“The Hamilton Library and Community Hub will be a vibrant, inclusive space that will bring people together to learn, connect, and celebrate community life,” Cr Heslin said.

“This project, together with the New Hamilton Gallery and Streetscape revitalisation, will completely transform our CBD precinct, creating a thriving destination that attracts visitors and businesses, and provides a beautiful place that residents can be proud of.

“The appointment of Lyons will include local architecture firm Cooper Scaife who will be vital in providing the local knowledge needed to better understand our community’s expectations. Cooper Scaife will be involved in upcoming community engagement to work with residents and Lyons Architecture to deliver a dynamic space, tailor-made for our region.”

Cooper Scaife, synonymous within Western Victoria, are responsible for delivering the now iconic Tae Rak Aquaculture Centre.

Cooper Scaife Director Bianca Scaife said, “Cooper Scaife Architects are delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to such a transformational project for Hamilton. The redevelopment of this precinct will fundamentally change the fabric of our CBD, with benefits that will extend far beyond the boundaries of the site itself.”

“We are looking forward to partnering with Lyons and bringing our local lens to create a place that is inclusive and welcoming for all members of our community.”

The Hub will include a modern new library, a Digital Hub providing technology, high-speed internet and co-working facilities, as well as multipurpose spaces for meetings, events, training and community activities.

The design requirements will include the exploration of both a two-story building to house local government organisations as a Government Hub, as well as a single-story build without the government services if adequate funding is not realised.

The designs will also include a Civic Square to provide a welcoming outdoor space for events, exhibitions and gatherings.

Costs for the design phase of the multi-million project will be jointly funded through the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) and Council, with $1.93 million allocated for design development and architectural services.

“We are really excited to develop these designs as they will put us in an ideal position to seek and secure project funding. We want to provide amenities for our residents that improve their lives and make this a great place to live.”

“This is a transformative project that will strengthen Hamilton’s position as a regional centre for learning, innovation and culture,” Cr Heslin said.

Lyons Architecture have an impressive history of design across Australia with spaces such as Prahan Square, Queensland Children’s Hospital, Koorie Heritage Trust, Springvale Community Hub, Southbank Hub and more. To find out more information about Lyons and their work, visit their website at www.lyonsarch.com.au

Community will have an opportunity to have their say in upcoming engagement sessions throughout the design process. These will be promoted via the Council website and social media channels.

Published on 20 August 2025

Hamilton’s CBD is set for a major transformation, with Council last night endorsing the Design Brief for the new Hamilton Library, Community Hub and Civic Square. This milestone paves the way to start the process of engaging architects, backed by a $5 million grant from the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP), to progress the project’s design phase.

The project will combine a new Hamilton library, the Digital Hub, office space for Council as well as other government services, multipurpose community spaces and a central, outdoor Civic Square, to be built on the site of the old Walkers building and Toyworld.

Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin welcomed the progression of this important project.

“This is a huge step forward towards the future of the Southern Grampians Shire.

“The vision we have is for the new Community Hub to be the beating heart of Hamilton and the wider Southern Grampians Shire. We’re envisioning a place in the middle of the shire where everyone feels welcome. The new library at its centre will be a vibrant, inclusive space where people can relax, learn, explore and connect with one another,” Cr Heslin said.

"Alongside this, the Digital Hub will bring huge opportunities for innovation and learning. By giving local businesses, students and community groups access to the latest digital tools and flexible workspaces, we’re helping our region keep pace with a rapidly changing world.

“The Hub will centralise local offices with a suite of government agencies, together with allied health services provided. The co-location of these services and the establishment of a shared customer service desk will streamline service delivery across multiple agencies and allow for a vastly improved and highly accessible customer service experience for southern Grampians residents and visitors.

“With shared government services, accessible meeting spaces, and a welcoming civic square, the Community Hub will change the way we connect with one another in town,” Cr Heslin concluded.

The next stage of the project, the development of the design, will be carried out in three parts. Firstly, the concept review and refinement stage will seek to engage the community and other stakeholders to confirm priorities and refine a two-storey design, while preparing a single storey alternative design. Next will be the detailed design process which will see the preparation of architectural, engineering and landscaping drawings and finally Project delivery.

The total budget, based on Council’s concept for this project is $34 million. $17 million has been allocated within the Council’s Long Term Financial Plan and Council is seeking the other $17 million in funding from Government Grants. The rPPP funding of $5 million already received will go towards design development, partnership agreement and project management for our three major projects, being this project, CBD Streetscape and the new Hamilton Gallery.

For more information about this and other Council projects, please visit our website.