On the 15th of December, plans were unveiled for the long awaited, proposed civic hub including an estimated $12.7 million library for Docklands.

Set to be delivered through a unique partnership model comprising Places Victoria, the City of Melbourne and Lend Lease, the centrepiece of this proposed civic hub, to be known as Dock Square, is a library and community centre.

The Docklands Library and Community Centre will be a three storey building, 56 metres in length and 18.5 metres wide and was designed by architects Clare Design and Hayball. The hub is designed to become a meeting place where the Docklands community can access a range of resources and activities, and actively participate in community life.

To be located at the intersection where Collins Street will meet Bourke Street, the proposed library and community centre will be accessible by tram, walking, cycling and via street connections, it will importantly reinforce the precinct's environmental credentials by creating one of Melbourne's most sustainable civic landmarks.

Minister for Planning Matthew Guy said the plans demonstrated strong, long-term partnerships between state and local government and the private sector, a key ingredient for any urban renewal project.
"These plans for a new civic hub for Docklands propose a centre point for the Docklands community, providing a place for culture, learning and recreation. This is the type of community infrastructure required to position Docklands as a place for people and a key harbourside destination in the future," Mr Guy said.

Places Victoria Chairman Peter Clarke said this was the first of what would
be a series of announcements over the coming months which would focus on the provision of community infrastructure.
"This proposed civic hub will continue to build a sense of place in Docklands, bringing life and soul to this growing community," Mr Clarke said.

Throughout 2011, City of Melbourne and Places Victoria sought input from the Docklands community to inform planning, development and community activities over the next decade.

Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said the location of the proposed building was ideal and would be the cornerstone for a range of community infrastructure to be delivered in this part of Docklands.
"This proposed building is not just a piece of architecture in terms of sustainability and design, it is an important piece of urbanism. This is what the city has been trying to advocate for in Docklands, buildings and places that work for people." Cr Doyle said.

Managing Director of Lend Lease's development business in Australia David Rolls said Dock Square, in particular the proposed library and community centre, would help define the character of Victoria Harbour and wider Docklands by bringing life to the heart of the precinct.
"Over the past two years we have been refining the Victoria Harbour vision
and have placed a strong emphasis on creating vibrant, activated and appealing places for residents, workers and visitors," Mr Rolls said.

"Dock Square will have the ability to
evolve over time to suit the diverse needs
of its users."

Other Key Features:
- Interactive, high digital learning environment
- Community multi-purpose meeting rooms
- Outdoor reading area
- Culture and exhibitions
- Technology hub
- Constructed from a combination of engineered timber and reclaimed hardwood
- Advanced passive ventilation scheme optimising natural ventilation
- Design conducive to the surrounding waterfront landscape
- Shelter at Dock Square while providing views to the harbour
- Greater amenity will be available to library patrons with the surrounding services, facilities, shopping, food and beverage, offices and residential neighbourhoods

Construction of the library and community centre is anticipated to commence in April 2012, subject to planning approval, the project duration is estimated at 18 months, due for completion by mid 2013.

At print time, no further information was available but 3008Docklands will keep readers up to date as developments unfold.

On completion of Dock Square $4.5 billion will have been invested in the
development of the Victoria Harbour Precinct at Docklands.