New Central Library - News
New Central Library Update - July 11, 2023
This afternoon City staff presented City Council with an update on the Library and Art Gallery (Junction East) project. This project is intended to support the Greater Sudbury Public Library Board’s ongoing work to establish a New Central Library that meets the needs of our community. Over the past several months, Greater Sudbury Public Library staff have been working with the City’s Large Projects team to investigate alternate sites for the New Central Library in response to the direction of City Council in February 2023. This has resulted in assessing the feasibility of existing community-owned infrastructure as the potential new home of the New Central Library. The primary site that has arisen for consideration through that process is 200 Brady St., Tom Davies Square.
City staff have led the analysis of the site and Library staff have been invited to contribute to the evaluation process. In the coming months, Library staff will continue to work with the City team to explore the feasibility of the proposed site for the New Central Library.
City Council Gives Junction East Green Light
The Junction East project passed its final approval milestone at the June 28, 2022, City Council meeting. Council approved staff recommendations related to the conceptual design, business plan, operational model and financial plan for the new cultural campus. The project will now proceed to the detailed design and construction phases.
The building design, presented to Council on May 3, 2022, is the result of almost 18 months of work by the project team and is based on the most extensive engagement process in the City's history. Community feedback indicates residents want a facility that features iconic architecture, and is a destination for visitors and a catalyst for change.
Originally presented to Council in 2015 as two separate projects by the Greater Sudbury Public Library and the Art Gallery of Sudbury, Council directed staff to work with both groups to assess the potential for a shared facility. This was selected as a priority project for Council in April 2016.
Over the past six years, in accordance with key directions and support from Council, the project evolved into an iconic municipal facility, situated downtown, on one of the most prominent sites in Greater Sudbury. The project supports our community's commitment to accessibility, environmental sustainability, multiculturalism, social inclusion and culture.
Junction East responds to the goals and objectives described in the City of Greater Sudbury Strategic Plan 2019-2027. The project also aligns with the goals set out in the Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) and Multi-year Accessibility Plan.
Staff will continue to work with the design team to develop the tender documents and detailed drawings necessary to issue a Construction Tender in Q1 of 2023. The tender will be issued to the pre-qualified constructors.
For more information on Junction East and the City's other Large Projects, visit www.greatersudbury.ca/largeprojects.
To view the full June 28, 2022, report to Council, visit https://pub-greatersudbury.escribemeetings.com/FileStream.ashx?DocumentId=46898.
Statement of support for Junction East
The Greater Sudbury Public Library Board supports the Junction East project and welcomes library patrons and community members to take part in the Junction East Virtual Open House on July 21.
"The library provides social, health and economic benefits to the entire community of Greater Sudbury," explains Library Board Chair Michael Bellmore. "The New Central Library at Junction East will expand those benefits by expanding our audiences, enhancing accessibility, increasing our circulation of print, digital and 3D items, and supporting more partnerships with organizations that help the community."
The design process for Junction East has involved months of consultation with the architects and designers, partner agency staff and board members, stakeholder organizations and the community.
"It's been great working with WZMH and DPAI," says Library Board Chair Michael Bellmore. "The consultants really listen, and we can see our feedback reflected in the designs they've shared with us. This is our chance to let them know what we want to see in the new library so that it will best serve the needs of the community."
Bellmore hopes past, current and future library patrons will chime in with what they are hoping to see at the new library, both online and at the Open House. "This is the start of a new conversation with our patrons. GSPL is committed to supporting the community, and the best way for us to do that is by learning what the community wants."
The community can view the concept design and share their comments on Over to You (overtoyou.greatersudbury.ca) until July 30.
Mette Kruger, Manager, Libraries and Heritage Resources
Greater Sudbury Public Library, 705-673-1155, extension 4769
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