Airdrie City Council has approved a concept design for the much-anticipated new library and multi-use facility, which is slated to be built by 2025 at the site of the old fire hall on Main Street.
Staff from Airdrie Public Library (APL) announced in a press release on May 5 that a concept design had been approved by council.
"Approval of a concept design brings the reality of a library facility that meets the needs of our growing community that much closer," the press release stated.
The plan emphasized council's strong preference for a focus on arts and social agency, and incorporating new learning spaces and an enhanced atrium.
According to APL, the project remains on target for a projected mid-2025 opening.
The next steps in the building process include the creation of architectural schematic designs that will provide the first glimpse of what the new facility will look like, along with consultations with various stakeholders in the coming months.
Council was previously presented with an updated design plan featuring a multi-use facility hybrid option for the new library during a special meeting on March 15.
Both Gibbs Gage Architect and Colliers, an investment management company, provided council with a detailed design plan that combines preferred elements and focus themes, including a strong preference for spaces conducive to arts, lifelong learning, and social events.
During a special meeting of council on March 15, Mayor Peter Brown thanked the public for their patience during the planning stages of the project.
“To the public and the people who have been following this project for as long as we’ve been going at it, I know there’s been some frustration, COVID got in the way,” he said. “[There were] a myriad of obstacles that were a little bit unforeseen, but as you can see we’re progressing forward and we’re very excited to do so.”
