The Gil Library Hub Contract Awarded + Project Updates

THE GIL LIBRARY HUB CONTRACT AWARDED

+ PROJECT UPDATES:

VIC RELOCATION   |   THE COLLECTIVE EOI   |   CHC UPDATE

The contractor for Gilgandra’s newest activation project in the heart of Gilgandra, the GIL Library Hub has been awarded.

With North Construction and Building, following a robust tender process, set to commence on the site from 1 March 2022.

Mayor Doug Batten says this is exciting progress towards achieving a significant project for our Region.

“This is an intergenerational opportunity to repurpose a potentially otherwise vacant building to a community asset that will include Library services, co- working spaces, learning, cultural expression, community and business rooms and outdoor space.”

The GIL Library Hub Vision:

‘The Library and community hub will be a dynamic community living room, creating a strong, modern centrepiece in the heart of the Gilgandra that attracts passers-by and celebrates our local identity’.

“It is about offering our community a space for learning and growth, while creating opportunity for an active and vibrant main street” says Mayor Batten.

There will be provision made to access public amenities throughout the duration of the construction period until access to the new amenities are made available. More information will be made available and will be publicised for the travelling public.

The GIL Library Hub project is made possible with the assistance of a range of funding contributors, including the Building Better Regions Fund (Round 4), Gilgandra Shire Council, and NSW state government funding through Your High Street, Create NSW and State Library Fund.

The GIL Collective – Sale on now!

With this exciting GIL Library Hub project due to commence, a community favourite, the pop-up store and home to the Visitor Information Centre, the GIL Collective will begin its movements out of this centralised location.

The last trading day of the GIL Collective will be Thursday, 24 February 2022, with stockists collecting items during the week prior.

Marketing & Communications Manager, Kathryn Larkin says the project has brought great community support.

“We thank all those stockists, volunteers and supporters that have made the GIL Collective what it is. With community and workshop bookings in the Mill, to Shop Local draws and community ticket sales and of course all our wonderful regional products, art and produce on sale, this has truly been a project bringing activation to our main street, and one we will not forget”.

“Now with discounts available on all products in the GIL Collective, it is the time to support all 54 of our regional stockists, from artists, makers and businesses who have been showcased in this central location since mid-2019!”

The Collective – an opportunity!

This is not the last chapter for the GIL Collective though! Keep an eye out in coming weeks as Council advertises an Expression of Interest for ‘The Collective’. Mrs Larkin says,

“The cooperative movement is one that we are seeing more and more through the changing face of retail, as suppliers band together to assist with overhead costs, and use online trade as a platform to boost sales.”

“This is an opportunity for a person or persons to take on a business initiative that has been tried and tested in our Region. The EOI will offer the prospective business information associated with the Collective from its past two years trading, as well as support and advice.”

“This is not a financial transaction, it is a focus on keeping a connected selection of regional artists, makers and business sustainable, while continuing the activation of Miller Street and the Gilgandra Region.”