Works to begin

By Melissa Meehan
CONSTRUCTION of the new $7.1 million Pakenham Library and Public Hall at PB Ronald Reserve are expected to begin in the coming weeks.
The project will see the demolition of the historic Pakenham Hall.
Earlier this month Cardinia Shire councillors endorsed the contract for the construction of the facility being awarded to Core Properties Pty Ltd.
The total value of the project is $7.1 million with Cardinia Shire Council contributing $3.6 million, the Federal Government contributing $2.5 million and the State Government’s $100,000 share.
Mayor Graeme Legge said the council was grateful for the support of both the State and Federal governments for the important project and said a host of services including books, CDs, magazines and internet access could be provided at the new library.
A multipurpose community hall, which will adjoin the library, will include an office, main hall and supper room, commercial kitchen, various storage rooms, a portable stage and other functional areas.
The hall will be available to Pakenham U3A and other community groups and organisations.
A spokesperson for the council said every effort was being made to minimise any disturbance in the area and thanked residents for their patience and understanding during construction in advance.
Casey – Cardinia Library Corporation CEO Peter Carter said he was very pleased to be working in conjunction with the council to build the new facility.
“It will be over twice the size of the old library,” Mr Carter said.
“A big improvement on what we had – a lot of new stock, more computers in place, study areas, purpose designed children’s and teenagers, it will be a great.”
He said with the ever growing community in Cardinia it was important for such a facility to be built in Pakenham.
“Now Pakenham can provide residents, and the greater community with a services centre that will cater for all needs.”
The library is now in a much smaller temporary building, at PB Ronald Reserve between the CFA running track and outdoor pool (in John Street), and while there is not quite the amount of space available most of the libraries collection is available as is free wireless access and story times.
Any residents with questions regarding the construction process can contact Andrew Dip on 1300 787 624. Works are expected to be completed by the end of March 2011.