narrm ngarrgu Library & Family Services

Located in the heart of the Queen Victoria Market precinct, the narrm ngarrgu Library & Family Services has been designed so everyone in our diverse community can explore their interests, learn something new and access integrated family support. 

Spanning three levels, the centre features local indigenous artwork by renowned indigenous artist Maree Clarke, offering function and flexibility in public space. It includes a dedicated children’s library, a new family services centre, bookable spaces and a community rooftop terrace.

Our scope of works included:

• Level 1 – Community spaces such as sound studios, makers space, event space, bookable meeting rooms, Events space, reading rooms, drink stations and amenities
• Interlinking stairs from level 1 to external terrace on level 3
• Level 2 library and staff offices
• Level 3 children’s library, staff offices, consult/family services and an external landscape terrace

The safe delivery and installation of in excess of 400 tonnes of construction materials to the Level 3 landscape terrace required coordinating mobile crane trucks, concrete pumps, and soil pumps from Queen Street up to the Level 3 terrace and within newly constructed garden beds. A new fully waterproofed drainage system was installed, incorporating structural plinth bondek to support the new landscape design.

Regular design validation sessions with the landscape architect, weekly site visits with consultants, and quality reviews with subcontractors were essential to ensuring that the design specifications and intent were met.

Throughout the library, culturally-significant immersive works by artist Maree Clark, a Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta, Boon Wurrung and Wemba Wemba woman are displayed. Created in collaboration with artist Hillary Jackson and creatives from Artery Cooperative, these artworks tell a First Nations story about the history of the site.