Helensburgh Community Centre and Library

We're planning a new community centre and library for Helensburgh.

The new facility is being designed to provide flexible spaces as well as a library. It will be an inclusive, safe, welcoming and accessible space for the community to hire for meetings, classes or events. We're also working to make sure it's sustainable and has flexible features to meet our community's needs for many years.

In the interim, Helensburgh Community Rooms located across the road at 26A Walker St is open and available for hire. The current Helensburgh Library is open to the public at 57 Walker St.

Location

The new Helensburgh Community Centre and Library will be located in the centre of Helensburgh at 53-55 Walker Street.

The land is adjacent to the existing library and, following strategic land acquisition in recent years, is already in Council ownership.  The site is adjacent to Helensburgh’s beautiful bushland combining convenience with natural charm.

The location selection follows detailed investigations by Council into a number of sites within the township for the facility, and responds to community feedback gathered during consultation around the Helensburgh Park Plan of Management.

Once the new integrated community centre and library has been constructed, the adjoining land where the current library stands will be sold, and the funds raised through the sale going towards covering the overall cost of the new facility.

The Design

The design for this new community facility is being shaped by feedback we've received from our community. We'd like to thank everyone who shared their great ideas and vision for this project.

Council is working with NSW Public Works who are providing Procurement and Project Management assistance to the project.
We have recently approached the market via an invitation only tender for Principal Design Consultant (PDC) and sub-consultant Team and we’re aiming to engage the PDC in Spring this year.

The concept designs will be presented to the community once the concept designs are developed, which is likely to be early 2026.

The scope for the project is as follows:

• It will be an integrated Community Centre & Library
• There will be flexible spaces, including a community hall that can expand to increase its size
• The project will be targeting best practice environmentally sustainable design
• The design will aim to provide views to the east
• Public art will be commissioned for the centre

The project aims to incorporate the following primary functions:

Community Centre

• Community Hall
• Flexible Meeting Rooms, Study/Office Rooms
• Community Hall Kitchen
• Community Hall storerooms

Library

• Public Library collections including adult, young adult, junior and children’s
• Study and reading areas
• Public computers and photocopying/scanning facilities

Public Community Kitchenette

Other Spaces

• Entry / Foyer
• Service Pod / Desk
• Staff rooms and facilities
• Public Amenities including Parent Room
• Store rooms

Outdoor Areas & Parking

• Bicycle parking, car parking and delivery area
• Walker St frontage including awning and footpath replacement
• Walker Ln connection
• Landscaping

Project Timing and Updates

Council remains committed to completing the project by the end of 2028.

• 2017 - Community engagement began with Helensburgh's Library of the Future Community Engagement.
• 2020 - Further feedback sought on Community Centre options.
• 2021 - Planning for a new Helensburgh Community Centre and Library Community Engagement.
• 2023 - Plan of Management exhibition. Community feedback received shows a strong preference for the new building to be located on Walker St.
• August 2024 - 53 - 55 Walker St announced as site for the new Helensburgh Community Centre and Library.
• October 2024 - New Helensburgh Community Centre and Library concept community engagement check-in.
• Late 2024 / early 2025 - Preliminary detailed site investigations completed including site survey, waste classification and remedial action plan, and geotechnical and utility services investigations.
• 2025 - Development of draft scope of works based on feedback from the community. Preparation of brief to engage consultants and progress to concept design.

We'll provide further updates as we progress the project.