An artist’s impression of a single-storey library at Sanctuary Point — but there’s a need for new designs. Image: Supplied.
More studies and a months-long delay are on the horizon as plans for a new coastal library face adjustment.
In 2022, the Federal Government committed almost $7.5 million for the construction of a two-storey building to serve as the new library for Sanctuary Point.
But in November 2025, Shoalhaven City Council (SCC) instead endorsed a single-storey library building, to be built at the corner of Kerry Street and Paradise Beach Road.
Earlier this year, councillors were warned they could lose a $7.5 million government grant if they went ahead with amended plans, before they voted to negotiate over the money.
The project’s scope will change after councillors agreed, at their last ordinary meeting, to build it across two council-owned lots (rather than four lots, as previously flagged).
At the time, they also gave in-principle approval for plans to borrow $14.4 million over the new library’s life.
It means the library will be a single-story building at the corner of Paradise Beach Road and Kerry Street.
That decision stood when a narrow majority of councillors backed it again at a subsequent extraordinary meeting the following day.
During that meeting, Councillor Luciano Casmiri said building the library on the two lots would be more beneficial than the alternative.
“I’m trying to make it more cost-effective, more time-effective, and rescue that amazing bit of [land],” he said.
According to council papers for the Monday meeting, that approach would push the library’s opening to late 2029.
It also means new concept designs will be needed.
A staff member told the meeting that the two lots (referenced in the original motion) were 600 square metres each.
“The current proposals are for a library that’s just under 800 square meters, so that doesn’t include the courtyards or the surroundings or the entryways,” they said.
“To compress that into a smaller spot means that the building as a whole has to be reduced, and those other parts have to be reduced as well.”
During the discussion, Cr Peter Wilkins said a feasibility study, along with other investigative works, would be needed for the alternative approach.
“I think it’s a responsible council that would consider any cost-effective savings … We want to build a Taj Mahal with gravitas when we can’t afford an igloo.”
Another staff member admitted elements of the new version of the library project remained unknown, with the near-$15 million loan being needed for SCC to “get on and get this project underway”.
“We aren’t able to deal in hypotheticals at this point in time. We haven’t engaged architects,” they said.
“As set out in the timeline, this report [in meeting papers] is actually giving accountability around the timeline, as well as dealing with the funding challenge.”
Cr Gillian Boyd said changing to the two lots risked losing the government grant.
“This is a project I care deeply about for the community, but after more than four years’ delay — [and] with designs and locations changing repeatedly — Shoalhaven City Council has not been able to deliver a plan that can be built within the required timeframe.”
“It is disappointing for the community, who will have to wait longer for a library that should already be underway. Funding is there; delivery is council’s responsibility.”
Cr Boyd also slammed the possibility of pushing back the library’s delivery date.
“There’s an awful lot of work already gone into this by council staff … It was a really nice design that would really enhance Sanctuary Point and make it something special, but all that time is wasted,” she said.
“Our poor library staff — they’re going to be without a decent workplace for even longer.”
Following the meeting, Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips told Region she was disappointed the project was facing further delays.
She also hit out at a suggestion that SCC had been in ongoing talks about the grant’s future, saying the “department has not received” a further response from the council.
“Council should now urgently engage with the department, settle a final design and get a credible project back on track so this library can be delivered for the Sanctuary Point and Bay and Basin community,” Ms Phillips said.
“The council needs to get on with this and stop playing a blame game when they are solely responsible for this mess.”
