Plans are moving forward for the Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct Stage One, Library and Learning Centre, with Council releasing final designs for its construction.
Award-winning Melbourne-based architects, Croxon Ramsay, who specialise in public realm projects including libraries and community hubs, have designed the new Library and Learning Centre to reach the highest environmental and social benchmarks.
Council is targeting Green Star 5 Certification for the project, which will be at least 30% more energy efficient than similar buildings; running on 100% renewable energy and taking advantage of natural lighting, shade, and ventilation.

Green Star is the internationally recognised Australian sustainability rating and certification system by Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). Green Star certification ensures that new buildings not only respond to changes in climate and protect natural surroundings but focus on the health and wellbeing of the people who use them.
Council says the project will prioritise local, renewable, low maintenance and fire-resistant materials. The architects have identified timber as the most environmentally sustainable building material for the project. Mass laminated timber products will be used for the beams, columns, floors and frame of the building as an alternative to finite, resource intensive steel and concrete.
Chair of the Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct project reference group, Councillor Danny Goss, has praised the new Library and Learning Centre’s visionary design.
“With this project, Council is leading the way in building sustainable, future ready public infrastructure,” says Cr Goss.
“We’re not afraid to make bold decisions today to support the communities of tomorrow.
“This project is wanted and needed by many in our Shire and I’m personally very excited to see this visionary plan for our civic precinct come to life, but it won’t just fall in our lap. That’s why I’m encouraging everyone to join the campaign and help us advocate for funding from the State and Federal Governments.”
Mayor, Annemarie McCabe said Council was proud to be building the significant community precinct with the health of the planet and people as the highest of priorities.
“Utilising innovative materials and intelligent architecture will provide us with a magnificent, long lasting, low maintenance community building for the future,” she said.