Contractor appointed for Rushworth Service Centre redevelopment

Published on 13 January 2023

Campaspe Shire Council has appointed local firm, AV Builders, to complete a major $1 million redevelopment of the Rushworth Service Centre.

Mayor Rob Amos said the project will provide a modernised space for the multitude of services at the centre and address the many issues with the current facility.

“The service centre is open four days a week providing library, customer service and maternal and child health, in addition to some visiting Council services.

“The current space no longer meets the needs of the community, with accessibility issues, a leaking roof, and a dark, closed-off design limiting the connectivity and integration with the street.”

The main elements of the project include:

• Creating a large, bright open space for the library with a central customer service point
• Replacing heavy entrance doors with automated doors
• Replacing the whole roof which currently leaks and installing solar panels
• Providing flexible library shelving on wheels to allow the space to be altered to support programs
• Installing two additional windows at the front of the building, to increase natural light and open up the service to the street
• Installing a kitchenette to support a multi-purpose meeting room
• Updating the public toilets in line with current building standards

  The Rushworth Service Centre will close from 4.30pm on Friday, 20 January and will not be available to customers during the week that follows.

The Rushworth Service Centre will close from 4.30pm on Friday, 20 January and will not be available to customers during the week that follows.

The service centre and library will reopen from its new temporary location at the Rushworth Senior Citizens building from 8.30am on Monday, 30 January. It will continue to operate from the senior citizens building until construction at the service centre is completed. The new opening hours will be:

• Monday – Tuesday: 8.30am – 4.30pm (closed between 12noon – 1pm)
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday – Friday: 8.30am – 4.30pm (closed between 12noon – 1pm)

The maternal and child health service will operate locally, however a location is yet to be confirmed.

“Due to a reduced space, the library will offer a smaller collection however library programs will continue to be available. The senior citizens building also offers free community Wi-Fi,” Cr Amos added.

Council secured a $604,428 grant to fund the redevelopment from the State Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program. Council will fund the remaining balance.

A display has been set up at the Rushworth Service Centre showing plans and concept pictures.