New Sanctuary Point Library

Shoalhaven City Council has considered various solutions for a new library to service Sanctuary Point and surrounding Bay and Basin communities.
Council is planning to deliver the new library at the corner of Paradise Beach Road and Kerry Street in Sanctuary Point.

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

The location and scope of works was confirmed at the 28 Oct 2025 council meeting. Funding negotiations with the Australian Government and State Library of NSW aim for ‘shovel‑ready’ status by mid‑2027. A 2025 feasibility study confirmed a single‑storey library, inspired by Warilla Library, can be delivered here for $14.9M.

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 revised funding model has been agreed, 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’.

Construction phase: Unfunded.

It is anticipated this project will be eligible for consideration for future grant programs to fund construction once ‘shovel-ready’ status is achieved.

 

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