narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services hub

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.

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