Consultation has concluded
Background
The health of the Fraxinus ‘Raywood’ (Claret Ash) tree located in the courtyard of Chester Hill Library has been declining over several years. We have maintained the tree, including removing dead and dying branches, to keep the courtyard safe and usable for visitors to the library.
At a recent inspection of the tree, we found signs that the tree has reached a point where any further maintenance would accelerate its decline in health. These signs include an increase in “epicormic growth” which is an abnormal growth of branches and foliage. These branches are weaker than normal branches and have a higher risk of breaking and falling.
To protect courtyard users and the library building, Council has decided to remove the tree from this location.
This project
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Timeline item 1 - complete
Stage 1: Removal of the tree
The removal of the tree is expected to take place in September 2022. This project will require the use of large mobile cranes and heavy cutting, sawing and grinding equipment. To ensure safety at the site while these works are underway, the library area and southern carpark area will be closed on the day of the work.
Update: The tree will be removed on Friday 26 August 2022.
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Timeline item 2 - complete
Stage 2: Inspection and repair of the area below the courtyard surface
Over the years, the services under the courtyard have been repaired multiple times. After the removal of the tree, the courtyard’s underground area will be inspected, and any damaged underground cabling and drainage systems will be repaired. This inspection will also identify suitable areas within the courtyard for future plantings.
These works may require the library, or parts of it, to be closed to the public at times and are expected to take place from September to October 2022.
Completed March 2023.
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Timeline item 3 - complete
Stage 3: Better understand how library users and community members would like the area re-established
The courtyard area and tree have played a significant role in the shaping and development of Chester Hill Library and the tree will be missed. However, the courtyard will remain at the heart of the library space and we would like to know how you, as library users and the broader community, would like to see it renewed.
To help us better understand how you would like the courtyard area re-established, please provide your feedback by completing the online survey below. We will be accepting feedback and comments from Thursday 18 August to 5pm on Friday 30 September 2022.
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Timeline item 4 - active
Stage 4: Re-establish the courtyard site
We will review the feedback received over the exhibition period in October 2022, as well as the findings from the below-surface inspection. Using this information, we will finalise a design to re-establish the central courtyard site. These works are expected to start in November 2022 and be completed by June 2023.
Document Library
Timeline
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Timeline item 1 - complete
Thursday 18 August 2022 - Friday 30 September 2022
Exhibition Period
This consultation is open for contributions.
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Timeline item 2 - complete
Friday 30 September 2022 05:00 pm
Closed
Contributions to this exhibition are closed, reviewed and reported back to the project team.
Who's listening
If you have questions or want to learn more about the project, please email us or contact the Council officers listed below.
| haveyoursay@cbcity.nsw.gov.au | |
| In writing | By post to Mr Matthew Stewart, General Manager, City of Canterbury Bankstown PO Box 8, Bankstown NSW 1885 |
