A new vision for Richmond Library

Councillor Landes has suggested “a new vision” for Richmond Library:

Vision for Richmond Library. Image source: Cr Landes on Facebook, 7th August 2024.

A new vision for a library sounds good – for example it could be interpreted as a call to replicate the success of the North Fitzroy Library, which adjoins a tram-based shopping street and has a large pedestrianised area at the main entrance, offering a safe environment for people walking and biking, as well as for people driving:

Bargoonga Nganjin North Fitzroy Library. Image credit: Google Maps.

A safe, traffic-calmed area outside the entrance to Richmond Library is also possible, via the proposed Charlotte Street Pocket Park:

Proposed Charlotte Street pocket park. Image source: City of Yarra.

However, that’s not what Councillor Landes is proposing. Instead, he is proposing to demolish part of the library to make way for new open space. We think this is a bad idea.

Cr Landes’ suggestion – note the absence of the Charlotte Street Pocket Park. Image source: Cr Landes on Facebook.

If councillors wish to show their support for a new vision for Richmond Library, we suggest they should consider best-practice urban design principles, including:

  • a 6-storey mixed-use building, constructed to the property boundary (like in Paris or Barcelona), with enough space for public housing and commercial tenancies in addition to the library, theatre, and community rooms;
  • an active frontage onto Church Street, which is also re-imaged with wider footpaths, level-access tram stops, and protected bike lanes; and
  • green open space located behind or to the side of the building, such as on Charlotte Street!
A vision for Richmond Library integrated with the Charlotte Street Pocket Park and a re-imagined Church Street. Image credit: Google Maps, Streets Alive Yarra.

Published 9th August 2024