Haberfield Centre and Library upgrade works
Upgrades to Haberfield Centre and Library were completed in May 2021 delivering a contemporary, accessible library space and flexible community meeting rooms.
Upgrade features
- Updated library interiors and layout making it more user friendly and fit for purpose
- Newly painted interiors, new carpets, shelving and furniture, air conditioning
- Improved accessibility including installation of new lift, internal ramps and accessible toilets
- Better functioning community rooms
- Improved connection between the library and community space via an upgraded garden/courtyard
- Reduced glare in the library
- Improved street presence by reinstating the entrance to its original location
- New energy/water saving measures such as energy efficient air-conditioning, lighting systems, rainwater re-use and water saving fixtures
- Upgraded landscaping
*The roof was replaced in mid 2018
View the designs
Approved exterior view - click on the images for larger versions
Approved ground floor plan - click on the image for a large version of the plan
Approved level 1 floor plan - click on the image for a large version of the plan
Background
Inner West Council successfully fought to receive $2.5 million from the Sydney Motorway Corporation to upgrade Council-owned community facilities in Haberfield.
In 2018 we asked you what your priorities were and you told us:
- Significantly upgrade the Haberfield Centre and Library, community rooms and garden
- Refurbish the Mervyn Fletcher Hall including landscaping upgrade
The upgrade was supported by 87% of survey respondents.
The DA was approved on 11 February 2020 with certain Conditions of Consent to protect environmental amenity and the public interest.
The Conditions of Consent require works to be carried out in a way that minimises demolition, alterations and new fixings to the significant fabric of the former Haberfield School of Arts.
Cost
Works will cost $4.29m and be funded by a combination of the Sydney Motorway Corporation contribution, a NSW Government Stronger Communities Grant, a special rate variation from former Ashfield Council, a State Library of NSW local priority grant and Council funds.
Protecting local heritage
The name of the building will remain "Haberfield Centre and Library" to reflect its current use.
Council has engaged conservation architects Hector Abrahams and Associates to assist with the specification of all works to the former Haberfield School of Arts. The works will include:
- A traditional colour scheme based on the original 1920s colour palette to the external render and roughcast encapsulated with a mineral silicate
- Treatment of existing fabric within the historic portion of the building such as timber flooring, plastered walls and ceilings, plaster decoration and other original/early fabric
- Re-instatement of the main entrance to Dalhousie Street based on the 1920s photographic documentation
- Re-instatement of gilded sign writing to the ground floor windows that identifies the historic portion of the building as the old School of Arts
- Repairs to surviving historic joinery and other timberwork
- Repairs to historic plasterwork
The Haberfield Roll of Honour has been carefully removed by an accredited conservationist. It is now in safe, dry storage offsite and will be reinstated above a new entryway inside the library.
Mervyn Fletcher Hall upgrade
The Mervyn Fletcher Hall was upgraded in October 2019:
- Roof replacement including guttering
- Removal of asbestos eaves
- Replacement of window and door frames
- Internal/external painting where required
- Renewal of floor
- Toilet upgrade
- New energy efficient light fittings
- Renewal of ramp at the Ella Centre entrance
For more information and enquiries, please contact Stephen Iacono, Property Project Manager: