Overview
As part of the NSW Government's $3.4 billion revamp of Darling Harbour, Lendlease is building a six-storey Japanese-designed development called Darling Exchange. And at its heart is a whizzbang, high-tech library.
Stretching over two storeys, the library will house much more more than just books. It's been planned with start-ups, entrepreneurs and makers in mind, so look out for a Makerspace and IQ-Hub, with oodles of room for collaborations, workshops, meetings and events.
"Working with Lendlease, we're developing a library where innovative, creative and sustainable communities can thrive," says Lord Mayor Clover Moore. "Encouraging entrepreneurs to start and build global businesses will create more jobs, boost our economy, strengthen global connections and make the city a more attractive place to live, work and visit."
The library is four times the size of the one it will take the place of at Haymarket, which occupies a heritage building at 744 George Street. It shouldn't be hard to find — the building, designed by Kengo Kuma, will be wrapped in a facade made of 20 kilometres of recycled timber. In addition to the library, there'll be a market hall, a child care centre, a mezzanine restaurant and a rooftop bar overlooking Tumbalong Park, the Chinese Gardens and Cockle Bay.