Project overview

Client

City of Melbourne

Architect

Six Degrees Architects

Project Value

$13M

Location

VIC

DCWC provided full Quantity Surveying services for City of Melbourne's narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services hub.

As part of our ongoing role for the Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal project, DCWC provided comprehensive Quantity Surveying services from initial concept design to construction completion for the City of Melbourne's narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services hub.

The 3000 m2 area, situated within the Queen Victoria Market precinct, was shaped through extensive community engagement and aims to serve diverse community needs, enabling individuals to pursue their interests, acquire new knowledge and access comprehensive family support.

Designed by Six Degrees Architects, 'narrm ngarrgu' which translates to 'Melbourne Knowledge' in the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung language, spans three levels and includes:

  • The bubup wilam (or "Children's Place") Children's Library, adorned with custom carpet and depictions of native fauna and flora
  • A contemporary Family Services centre offering maternal and child health services, parenting programs, immunisation, family support, and counseling to the local populace
  • An innovative makerspace equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing and embroidery machines, airbrushing, electronics, sound studios, and more
  • Spaces available for reservation for events
  • A communal rooftop terrace featuring a large eel trap art piece, a coolamon sculpted from a massive eucalyptus burl intended for smoking ceremonies by Wurundjeri Elders, an outdoor play area, and a water-play space for the warmer seasons. Native trees planted on the rooftop are expected to grow to eight to nine meters at full maturity, providing a shaded oasis for visitors and the local community to enjoy

The library displays culturally significant immersive works by artist Maree Clark, a Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta, Boon Wurrung, and Wemba Wemba woman. These artworks, created in collaboration with artist Hillary Jackson and creatives from Artery Cooperative, tell a First Nations story about the history of the site.

Explore DCWC's other civic projects.

Image Gallery

DCWC x City of Melbourne 2023 narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services
Images c/o City of Melbourne; 2023
DCWC x City of Melbourne 2023 narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services
Images c/o City of Melbourne; 2023
DCWC x City of Melbourne 2023 narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services
Images c/o City of Melbourne; 2023
DCWC x City of Melbourne 2023 narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services
Images c/o City of Melbourne; 2023
DCWC x City of Melbourne 2023 narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services
Images c/o City of Melbourne; 2023
DCWC x City of Melbourne 2023 narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services
Images c/o City of Melbourne; 2023
DCWC x City of Melbourne 2023 narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services
Images c/o City of Melbourne; 2023
DCWC x City of Melbourne 2023 narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services
Images c/o City of Melbourne; 2023

Explore Related Projects

Australian Hockey Centre

The Australian Hockey Centre in Perth is a $135 million project set to position Western Austral...

Piara Waters Library

Our team is proud to have delivered Superintendent services for the City of Armadale's Piara Wa...

VCIP Prison Infill Expansion Program - M...

This ambitious project involved constructing new facilities, alongside extensive expansion and ...

Cherry Creek Youth Justice Centre & ...

DCWC was proud to provide Quantity Surveying expertise as part of the Department of Justice and...

East Fremantle Community Park

The East Fremantle Community Park redevelopment is a transformative project designed to create ...

Queanbeyan Civic & Cultural Precinct

The Queanbeyan Civic and Cultural Precinct (QCCP) project was a key part of the Queanbeyan-Pale...