Architect appointed for civic precinct in Melbourne's Glen Waverley

Lyons Architects has been selected by the City of Monash to design the Glen Waverley Civic Precinct, following a competitive tender process.

The vision for the Glen Waverley Civic Precinct project is to establish a lively and contemporary community hub at 281 Springvale Road, adjacent to the Harry Seidler-designed Waverley Civic Centre. The proposal includes the redevelopment of the existing library along with the introduction of new community facilities.

Mayor Nicky Luo said the council is thrilled to have Lyons Architects on board for this project. "Lyons Architects is a renowned architectural firm with a strong track record in delivering award winning public spaces across Australia," she said. "With their focus on creating quality public spaces, sustainability and community engagement, Lyons Architects will work with council and our community to bring this exciting project to life."

Lyons Architects will build on the work that ARM Architecture delivered to prepare a schematic design that went to community consultation in 2023. These preliminary designs proposed an expansion of the existing library building to three levels - two floors to house the library and a third to accommodate office spaces. Flexible, multipurpose community spaces for events and meetings were proposed for the ground level.

A direct connection to the council's Civic Centre was also included within initial plans. Proposed for the external area surrounding the civic hub are landscaped gardens, and an open and activated plaza where community can gather.

According to the Monash council website, the proposed library will be four times the current size of the library and will comprise quiet areas, a children's zone with an activity space, a parents' room and a youth area.

"Council thanks the ARM Architecture team for their work on this project which enabled us to present an engaging and exciting concept to our community last year," Luo said. "The ARM team have positioned the project for success, and we look forward to delivering on this vision."

The detailed design phase will now commence with a review of the community feedback submissions that were received and collated in 2023.