RiverwayLibrary

Hutchies delivered the new Riverway Library, which, involved relocating the Thuringowa Library to a new precinct in Townsville. This new location integrates seamlessly with the surrounding lagoon, art gallery, sports facilities, and parklands, transforming the former performance venue into a modern library.

The refurbished library now boasts a café, meeting areas, a creative hub, and an accessible change facility. The design emphasises natural light and offers stunning views of the lagoon and river. A unique curving ‘wave’ design element enhances the library’s aesthetic, blending harmoniously with the river landscape. To achieve this outcome the product specified by the Architect was found to have non-conformance / non-compliance issues and was not fit for purpose to achieve the effect desired. Hutchies proposed Autex as an alternative product which was approved by the Architect and produced a much better finished product meeting compliance requirements.

Mayor Jenny Hill highlighted the strategic co-location of the library with other key facilities, creating a major activity precinct for families. She emphasised the library’s role in connecting people, information, and ideas, with over 480 facilitated programs, 600,000 book loans, and 400,000 visits annually.

The library features a creative hub for audio and video production, 24-hour meeting and study rooms, a business lounge, and a parenting room. Additionally, 24/7 reservation pick-up lockers outside the café provide convenience for library users.

Cr Ann-Maree Greaney emphasised the library’s accessibility, with features like accessible toilets and wheelchair friendly entryways. The Riverway precinct offers a one stop destination for families, combining library services with recreational and cultural activities.