image courtesy of Major Projects Victoria

A shortlist of four architectural design teams have been invited to tender for the $83.1 million State Library Victoria Vision 2020 Redevelopment Project. The four shortlisted consortia feature local and international expertise and were selected from a strong field of expressions of interest, they are: 

• Architectus/Schmidt Hammer Lassen supported by Andronas Conservation Architects, Irwin Consult and Steensen Varming Engineers.
• Ashton Raggatt McDougall supported by Bryce Raworth Heritage Architects, Bonacci Group and Norman Disney & Young Engineers.
• Conrad Gargett/Lyons supported by Bonacci Group and Norman Disney & Young Engineers.
• Hassell supported by Purcell Heritage Architects and AECOM Engineers.

The redevelopment includes the restoration of the historic Queen’s Hall, reopening the library’s Russell Street entrance, an e-Town Hall and new spaces for early learning, digital media, entrepreneurship and exhibitions. The Victorian Government has contributed $55.4 million to the project, with the balance being supported by philanthropic partners.

Design teams were evaluated on their experience in projects of a similar scale and complexity; track record of design excellence; knowledge of world’s best practice in the refurbishment of heritage buildings and understanding of the latest innovations in major cultural institutions. One of Victoria’s oldest public institutions, State Library Victoria provides a wide range of services, programs and experiences to around 1.8m visitors each year.

A Request for Tender will be released to the shortlisted teams early in the new year with the successful team expected to be announced in March 2016. Construction is due to begin in 2017.

“A centrepiece of our education – and creative – state, the State Library Victoria Vision 2020 project will celebrate the building’s magnificent heritage and return significant spaces to public use.”

“It will firmly position Australia’s oldest and busiest public library as a contemporary centre of knowledge, inspiration and innovation.” “We are delighted with the strong interest from designers, both here and around the world, who were attracted by the significance of the project and its importance to the people of Victoria.” said Martin Foley, the Minister for Creative Industries.

“I am tremendously excited by the calibre of the shortlisted design teams. Each has demonstrated their capacity to bring a project of this scale and significance to fruition.” “We now look forward to assessing their tenders and announcing the successful team in the new year” said Kate Torney, the State Library CEO.

> via majorprojects.vic.gov.au