Preliminary work is underway for the planning and construction of the new Airdrie Public Library (APL), which will be developed at the Old Fire Hall site on Main Street.
The vision for the project will see the facility designed as a multi-use hub for community development – a catalyst to bring focus back to Airdrie’s downtown, according to Michelle Lock, director of Community Services, who presented an update on the tasks, timelines and resources required for the project to council at a regular meeting Oct. 7.
“It’s about encouraging the connectivity between people and programs that nurture mental well-being and build a healthy and vibrant community,” she said.
With this in mind, Lock said, it’s imperative to ensure all stakeholders “have a clear path forward to designing a facility that can achieve all the collective outcomes of the project.” The physical design of the new library will be addressed once the programming and service requirements have been defined, she added.
The first step to achieve this will be the functional programming and feasibility study, which is anticipated to be completed in early 2020. This report will look at planning criteria, space needs and the programs and services that could be offered at the facility.
Meanwhile, she said, a project management plan will be developed concurrently, clarifying objectives, expectations, success factors and the roles and responsibilities of the project and those involved.
“In order to proceed with all the requirements to support the library project, funding is needed,” Lock said, noting council can expect to review a 2020 budget request of $4.5 million to cover the costs of the feasibility study and project management plan, as well as future costs for site preparation and facility design.
Facility construction is anticipated to cost upwards of $45.6 million, according to an August 2018 estimate.
