Building works
The final stage of a four-stage building works project to refurbish the National Library’s podium is now underway (see Site Plan). The refurbishment of the lake side of the building has included the upgrading of bookplate and the outdoor café area known as ex libris which now has capacity for over 100 people. New umbrellas, glass panelling to maximise views, and elegant furniture as well as lights and heating in the enclosed area make it one of Canberra’s most sought-after, year-round outdoor dining and private function areas.
Work on the final stage, covering part of the front and the southern side of the building, is scheduled to be completed in November 2008. All measures have been taken to minimise the impact on Library users, including scheduling disruptive work at night and covering the windows to minimise noise.
What it means for Library visitors
The phasing of building work into four stages and separate enclosures around the immediate work area is designed to help minimise disruption to Library users and maintain normal services. Regrettably Stage 4 works may have the most impact on Library access.
During the early part of stage 4, access to an area of the front steps will be reduced. Throughout all of this final stage of the project, disabled access will be relocated to a temporary ramp beside the front steps and the disabled parking spaces have been relocated as close as reasonably possible to the ramp.
Other visitor parking should not be affected. Building contractors will park in the construction compounds and access the site via Flynn Drive. Construction traffic will be carefully managed, and heavy vehicle movements will be restricted to out of visitor hours as much as possible.
Signage directing pedestrian access will continue to be in place for the duration of the project.
Information about the project will be kept up to date on this site. For further information contact the Building Services Help Desk on (02) 6262 1234.
