Project update June 2026
The Harvey Library Expansion Project has moved from planning into delivery phase.
The design has been revised since the completed 2022-2023 design phase for the Precinct. Critical alterations to the footprint of the building have been implemented to ensure the project’s financial viability.
The revised design documentation is anticipated to be completed in September 2026, to be made available for a closed Public Tender process.
Demolition will soon be underway of the old (vacant) Harvey Community Radio building on Young Street to make way for the development site. The demolition works have been awarded to a demolition contractor; site works are due to be completed by end of July 2026, after which the site sits cleared and vacant until construction begins.
From approximately November 2026 to December 2027, library services will be temporarily relocated to the Harvey Lesser Town Hall to ensure continued access for the community while works are undertaken for the new library.
The Shire will soon commence upgrading the Town Hall to improve building accessibility, ventilation, new carpeting, office space and IT requirements, while also separating the Lesser Hall from the Town Hall so both can operate independently.
Background
To support the substantial population growth of the Harvey Region, upgrades to key social infrastructure are required to deliver increased amenity, liveability and community connectedness.
Through extensive community consultation, the Harvey Community Precinct project was created. This visionary multi-stage initiative is designed to re-invigorate the Civic Centre in Harvey and foster the co-location of learning, arts, culture, social connections, and access to vital community and Shire services. The delivery of the entire Precinct is the Shire’s longer-term aspiration, however the delivery of the first stage of the Precinct is the immediate priority.
The final Master Plan for the project was endorsed by Council in August 2022.
The Harvey War Memorial Library expansion includes a dynamic new library layout with increased floor area, dedicated community group facilities, private study and group learning spaces, children’s facilities, and an integrated media and production studio to permanently house the Harvey Community Radio Station.
Stage 1 of the Harvey Community Precinct is set to deliver a facility that caters for the Shire’s expanding population that is supported by the community and industry alike.
Stage 1 includes:
- Library expansion: Expansion of the footprint of the library.
- Heritage restoration: The careful preservation and restoration of the historic Harvey War Memorial Library facade.
- Harvey Community Radio: Construction of a permanent, purpose-built home and media/production studios for the 24/7 volunteer-run Harvey Community Radio 96.5fm.
- Community spaces: The addition of versatile community meeting rooms, co-working spaces, quiet rooms, and indoor/outdoor children’s breakout spaces.
- Cultural and tourism displays: An interpretive tourist display celebrating iconic Australian author May Gibbs, alongside Historical Society and RSL displays.
- Accessibility and amenities: A wellness space, unisex baby change facilities and end-of-trip travel facilities.
- External works: Development of a sculpture garden, landscaping, public plazas, and crucial electrical infrastructure upgrades.
The Project is part of the Federal Government’s growing Regions Program (Round 2).
Secured funding contributions currently total $14,145,651, as outlined below:
- Federal Government: $6,145,651
- Shire of Harvey: $8,000,000.
To align the project’s scope with the available funding, targeted cost reductions have been achieved through value engineering, scope refinement, and prioritisation of essential project components.
The Shire undertook a six-week consultation process during June, July and August 2021 to obtain community feedback on the draft Master Plan for the proposed Harvey Community Precinct.
The Harvey Community Precinct Master Plan is a dynamic long term planning document that provides a framework and a vision for the future growth of Harvey.
On Tuesday, 21 December 2021 the Shire of Harvey Council endorsed to complete the Master Plan concept and briefing stage for the Harvey Community Precinct project.
On Tuesday, 23 August 2022 the Shire of Harvey Council endorsed the final Master Plan for the project and endorsed moving to the design and development phase of the project.
The Application for Development Approval for the Civic Use (Harvey Community Precinct) was advertised for public comment for a two-week period in September 2023.
The development of the Harvey Community Precinct is a staged approach, with stage one of construction anticipated to commence within the 2026/2027 financial year.
