Support for Bendigo Library redevelopment
Thursday, 12 January 2012
The Victorian Government will invest $2 million towards the major redevelopment of the Bendigo Library.
Speaking in Bendigo, Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Ryan said the funding would support the City of Greater Bendigo's $8 million redevelopment plans for the facility.
"I'm pleased that the City of Greater Bendigo has endorsed this $2 million in government funding by allocating it towards the $8 million redevelopment of the Bendigo Library," Mr Ryan said.
The Bendigo Library attracts more than 475,000 visitors each year and the redevelopment of the much-loved facility will benefit the Bendigo community and the wider region.
Funding for the Bendigo Library redevelopment project is from the $100 million Local Government Infrastructure Program (LGIP) which is part of Regional Development Victoria's Regional Growth Fund. This fund is designed to provide councils with access to funds for new infrastructure or asset renewal, in a less complex and simplified manner.
The Bendigo Library redevelopment is an example of the sort of infrastructure projects that will be supported as a result of this innovative new funding program.
During the visit Mr Ryan unveiled a concept plan image of the updated Bendigo Library façade, which will be on display in the library foyer for the public to see.
Additional funding for the project will come from the Central Goldfields Library Corporation ($1 million), Greater Bendigo City Council ($4.25 million) and $750,000 from the Victorian Government's Living Libraries Program.
