Coburg Library Strategic Vision
- Location Naarm / Melbourne, Victoria
- Traditional Owners Wurundjeri
- Client City of Merri-bek
- Team Sibling Architecture
- Service Strategy & Policy
The Challenge
Coburg, in Melbourne’s inner north, is undergoing significant transformation. In 2024, Council endorsed a new vision – Revitalising Coburg – which sets out key directions to guide change in the centre.
This includes the objective to replace the existing library, which is no longer fit-for-purpose, with a contemporary library that serves as an anchor for community and cultural life. Our brief was to advise on the development of a vision and strategic objectives for the library facility.
Our Approach
A collaborative approach to developing a new vision with the Merri-bek team was undertaken. This brought together diverse voices from across the organisation who may traditionally not have been involved in conceptualising a library project.
Benchmarking of celebrated library projects was undertaken to understand design opportunities and programmatic needs. This was paired with interviews with Council officers across Melbourne who had recently delivered successful library projects. The research and engagement were synthesised into cohesive advice that informed the establishment of a Coburg Library and Piazza Vision endorsed by Council in 2025.
Impact
The vision and objectives will inform the design and delivery of the Coburg Library. The vision emphasises the importance of establishing ‘a place of connection, cultural expression and lifelong learning’ which will benefit generations of Coburg residents, workers and visitors.