New Sanctuary Point Library

Shoalhaven City Council has been through an exhaustive process to determine the site, design and size of a library that would be attractive and functional for the Sanctuary Point and surrounding Bay and Basin communities to use into the future. In November 2025, Council endorsed a single-storey library building to be built on the corner of Kerry Street and Paradise Beach Road.

3D rendering of a modern single-story building with two identical angular wings featuring sloped white roofs and wooden slatted walls, connected by a central glass-encased walkway, on a green campus with parking and trees.

The latest

On 29 June, Council will consider a $14.4 million loan to support the delivery of a new library. Council has identified this alternative funding model to help minimise further cost increases and keep the project on track. If the loan is approved, the library could be open to the public by the end of 2029. Council will continue to seek alternative funding from state and federal governments.

About the project

The existing Sanctuary Point Library celebrated its 30-year anniversary in May 2025.

With more than 30,000 residents in the area, Sanctuary Point and the surrounding Bay and Basin communities have outgrown the current library building.

Once delivered, the new library will have a total Gross Floor Area ≈ 1000m² and:

  • cater to the full spectrum of community library needs
  • express it’s community function
  • reflect the character of local landscape
  • deliver thermally comfortable spaces, energy efficient systems
  • improve connectivity for the village centre precinct
  • service changing future needs and growth
  • improve literacy and educational outcomes

Next steps

Once a suitable funding solution has been identified, it is anticipated the following project phases will be progressed:

  • Detailed design & technical investigations
  • Development application & development consent
  • Business case / capital expenditure review
  • Construction documentation
  • Tender
  • Construction Certificate

Once these phases have been completed, this project will be considered ‘shovel-ready’. It is anticipated this project will be eligible for consideration for future grant programs to fund construction once ‘shovel-ready’ status is achieved.

  • Construction
  • Commissioning (Opening)

Please note: The estimated completion date is subject to change as planning progresses.