Thank you to everyone who provided feedback through the initial engagement on this project.

Submissions received from this community engagement period will assist Council to develop a concept design for the new library and community space, which will be shared with the community in 2025 for further feedback.

The main themes raised by respondents in open comment submissions are summarised below and council has provided some additional information.

• Increasing or maintaining parking at the site

This project does not extend to the adjacent parking lot and there is no intention to reduce the existing parking spaces on the site.

• A space for children’s play as part of enhancements to the open space

The new design will provide the community with a new enhanced green space. The primary purpose is to provide passive open space and support the existing functions of the space including weekend markets and complement the new library and its functions. Several play spaces are currently available within a short distance of the site including Cammarlie Reserve located within walking distance from the Panania Library and Knowledge Centre site.

• Maintaining the Early Childhood Health Clinic at the site

The new Panania Library & Knowledge Centre will include multipurpose hireable spaces which can be booked by the community groups & individuals. Council has been having discussions with SW Local Area Health (who currently utilise this facility) in terms of the plans for this site so that they can maintain the provision of their early childhood health service offerings in the locality. These facilities will remain operational until the project commences on site. The timeframe for this occurring is approximately within is 2 years.

• Maintaining the Seniors Citizens Centre at the site.

The new Panania Library & Knowledge Centre will include multipurpose hireable spaces which can be booked by community groups such as Senior Citizen Clubs for their activities. The existing Senior Citizen Centre will remain operational until the project commences on the site. The timeframe for this occurring is approximately within is 2 - 3 years. During construction the Padstow and Revesby community centres are available for booking by groups using the existing centre.

• Picnic tables and/or seating as part of the outdoor space renewal

The project will provide an enhanced, north facing green space for community use which responds to pedestrian connections from the new library to both the town centre and surrounding areas. As part of this space, Council will be exploring the inclusion of integrated seating to allow use of these spaces while maintaining an open green area for the community to use.

• The need for a larger Library and Knowledge Centre

Council has engaged an award winning design team which has investigated the required spaces and needs that make up great community libraries to deliver a design for an exceptional new facility that meets best design practices. The new Panania Library & Knowledge Centre will provide a design that aims to meet the community’s current needs and allow flexibility for the future.

Further community engagement on a final concept design is planned in 2025 where Council will share more detailed floor plans with the community, and it will be an opportunity to hear further thoughts and comments on the project.

• The need for better public toilet facilities at the site

The new Panania Library & Knowledge Centre will include replacement of the currently aged public toilets within the site. The new amenities will comply with current regulations and be planned to best respond to the new library building and enhanced green space provided by the project.