A community centre is a space designed to bring people together and support local activities, events, and services. It can host a variety of programs, such as fitness classes, educational workshops, cultural gatherings, and social services. Examples of community centres in the City of Parramatta area include Boronia Grove Community Centre in Epping and Don More Community Centre in North Rocks.
As part of this project, Council is planning to establish a new community centre in Carlingford that will incorporate library services, further enhancing access to educational and social opportunities within the community. Examples of community centres with integrated library services include the Wentworth Point Community Centre and Library, and PHIVE in Parramatta.
The new community centre and library will offer a range of spaces designed to meet the diverse needs of the community, including study areas, workspaces, meeting rooms, event and gathering spaces, as well as book collections and programs. Your feedback will play a key role in shaping the final design and ensuring that all community needs are considered in the development of this facility.
We are currently in the planning and design phase for the community centre and library, and we will keep the community informed with updates on the project timeline and the anticipated opening. Please complete the survey or click the "Follow" button at the top of the page to receive updates. Currently, the Carlingford Community Centre and Library is expected to be ready for the public in late 2027 or early 2028, depending on the overall progress of the Carling development construction progress.
Once the new Carlingford Community Hub and Library is operational, the current library will be decommissioned and the future of the site will be investigated.
There will also be a supermarket, retail shops, a childcare facility, residential apartment units and open space in the same precinct and they will be managed by Meriton.
Between April and May 2025, Council sought input on plans for a new community centre and library in Carlingford. Feedback was collected from 285 local community members via an online survey, 164 attendees via six pop-ups at shopping centre and libraries, and 260 high school students via two workshops. Thank you to those who participated in the engagement - all responses and comments were read and will help to inform the design of this new facility.
1. The vast majority of the community (> 85%) wants a library and community centre that offers abundant natural light, open and spacious design, designated quiet areas, desks for individual study, book collections, after-hours drop-off and access, WiFi, and activities suitable for different age groups.
2. A substantial portion of the community (50% - 85%) indicated a need for communal group seating, bookable desks and rooms suitable for small groups. There is also interest in cozy spaces and design elements that reflect local culture. The community wanted to interact with staff, access both online and digital resources, borrow books in various languages and utilise technology for borrowing materials. They also wanted to see extended opening hours, activities for special needs, multi-lingual programs, and access to Council customer service staff as well as other social services. Young people, in particular, have emphasised the importance of having private, comfortable areas in addition to collaborative study spaces.
3. The most popular time slots that our community wants to access this new facility are on the weekend, followed by weekday evenings, with about half choosing those time slots.
Parking, access and public transport to this new facility were most frequently mentioned concerns, especially for families and seniors.
Many community members also voiced the need for an indoor community and cultural venue that could host performances, events, physical activities and provide a space for people to connect and enjoy various indoor programs together.
