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Library

Timeline

Opened in 1967, the existing library has delivered best-practice traditional library services to the university for over 40 years. The vision for the new library emerged in 2002 at a time when learning styles were becoming more collaborative and technology was transforming education.

Since then major milestones have been reached. The project is gaining momentum and we are on track to celebrate the opening in 2010. Follow the design and construction of the building using the timeline below.

1967-1975
Stages 1-4 of the existing Library open

1987
Discussion begins on plans to extend and refurbish the existing Library to Stage 5

2000
Discussions continue in relation to building of co-generation plant built beside existing Library

2002
Extensive research into alternative designs

September

University Council approves $32m in University’s Capital Plan for refurbishment and extension of the existing Library

2003/2004
MoveCorp Pty Ltd facilitates the development of a Facilities Master Plan for the Library

2005
Ongoing research into alternative concepts and designs

2006
New Library building approved to incorporate Automated Storage & Retrieval System (ASRS)

9 February

Proposal for $26m extension and $38.2m refurbishment of existing Library not approved. New Vice-Chancellor asks for alternative solutions

July

Visit to US to view libraries with an automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS)(requires Windows Media Player) in operation

August

University Council approves budget of $70m (excl GST) to build a new Library incorporating an ASRS
University Council recommends that architects with experience in design of educational/library buildings be invited to submit designs

2007
Project Control Group established for New Library; winning design chosen
Environmental Assessment Report [pdf 1117kb] released

CRI Australia Pty Ltd appointed as Project Managers for the new Library project
Project Control Group (PCG) established with members from the Library, Office of Facilities Management (OFM) and CRI

5 April

Assessment of Expressions of Interest from selected architects completed

23 April

Competitive Design Process brief issued

24 May

Five submissions received

31 May

Nine member Selection Panel assesses submitted designs

29 June

University Council approves selection of architects Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmt)

3 July

First design meeting held with fjmt architects
Library staff competition winner announced

28 September

School Partner competition winners announced

31 October

Environmental Assessment Report (EAR) lodged with NSW Department of Planning

28 November

Environmental Assessment Report released for public exhibition

November / December

Library staff involved in workshops on functional design

2008
Approvals, Tenders and Contracts

14 January

Environmental Assessment Report completes public exhibition period

13 February
  • Confirmation of the number and size of bins to be allocated to the ASRS - there will be a total of 17,394 bins in the system
  • Finance and Facilities Committee of University Council give approval to go to tender for the Head Contractor for the Project
29 April

Development Application [pdf 95kb] (DA) approved by the Department of Planning.

27 June

Tender for Head Contractor issued

14 October

First sod turned on the new site

November

A W Edwards commence early works on the new Library site.

2009
Site preparation and Construction

January

Contract for Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS) executed with HK Systems Inc. This is the first contract for such a system to be installed in an Australian library.

23 February

Greenstar Project Registration lodged with the Green Building Council of Australia.

March

Design and construct contract signed with A W Edwards.

March

Design and construct contract signed with A W Edwards.

31 March

Project formally registered with Green Building Council of Australia under the Green Star - Education Design v1 tool.

18 May

Bulk excavation completed

31 May

Tower cranes erected

25 June

First concrete slab poured Level 0

Updated 23/07/09

2011
Project Completion

What's the Latest?

We're getting ready for the new Library Moving the Library to a new building is a huge challenge. The new Library offers a fresh environment with great potential to re-shape the way we do things to better serve YOU. Read on ...[pdf 831kb]

Trees, Shrubs & Wildlife: What's happening?
Ecological assessment of the biodiversity, flora and fauna of the new Library site has been carried out by a number of specialists and no threatened habitats or species have been identified in this area.
Read on ...[pdf 1.4mb]

Your Library on the Move: tagging 1.4m items
As the new Library takes shape, Macquarie University Library is already ' on the move' gearing up for the massive task of ...Read on [pdf 782kb]

blog@library2010

Have your say ! Join our blog and make a contribution on what you think is important regarding the New Library

Library Stories

Share your story !  As part of the Library 2010 project, Library Friends are collecting Library Stories to commemorate the 40 year history of the current building. If you are interested in sharing your recollections, reflections or remembrances of our Library contact us at librarystories@library.mq.edu.au

a picture of a girl in front of the library building 40 years ago

This pathway has now been replaced and renamed Wally’s Walk. The saplings on the edges of the pathway have grown to magisterial proportions. These impressive, leafy plane trees now mask the concrete architectural brutalism of that original design. A green canopy that shields the eye and the sky. Read on…