Marrickville Library has been Considered as much more than just a Building

The NSW Premier’s Prize is awarded each year to the project considered to best exemplify commitment to the following-criteria; the creation of strong communities, contribution to the public realm, establishing a new benchmark for a local area and innovation in design. In selecting the winner this year, the Premier also considered the contribution made by projects to delivering on two of her key policy priorities, being greener public spaces and greening our city.

Marrickville Library at Patyegarang Place demonstrates these criteria at all levels and has been considered as much more than just a building. It has harnessed the opportunity to create a true community precinct that incorporates history and place and delivers a welcoming and beautiful environment for its diverse neighbourhood.

It is the outcome of an invited competition, and notably the winner was selected with input from over 4000 members of the local community. It has understood the changing role that a library plays in its community – and provides a multigenerational space for learning, interacting, making, socialising  and teaching. The community facilities, café and new public open space are all cleverly inter-connected with the adaptively re-used former Marrickville hospital building.

Its signature zig-zag roof extends out from the pitched roof of the old hospital and creates a light filled interior that is warm and inviting. Artworks by local artists are integrated across the site and make an important contribution to the place, and both the library and the community facilities open onto the sunken garden, which provides a sanctuary from the noise of the surrounding main roads. 

It is a landmark and skillfully designed building setting a benchmark for adaptability, technology, sustainability and high-quality public spaces.

Project Information

Architect: BVN Architecture

Photography: Tom Roe