{"id":19287,"date":"2017-12-06T16:19:20","date_gmt":"2017-12-06T21:19:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.newspapers-online.com\/auroran\/?p=19287"},"modified":"2017-12-13T16:44:14","modified_gmt":"2017-12-13T21:44:14","slug":"library-cultural-centre-back-different-options-for-library-square","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newspapers-online.com\/auroran\/library-cultural-centre-back-different-options-for-library-square\/","title":{"rendered":"Library, Cultural Centre back different options for Library Square"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Brock Weir <\/strong><\/p>\n

Two concept plans for the future redevelopment of Library Square are set for Council consideration this week after a series of public information sessions.
\nDeveloped by the Planning Partnership, the two concepts focus on making a public space that will be a destination for people from all corners of Aurora, and well beyond.
\nAt the heart of both plans is the parking area now lying between the Aurora Public Library and the Aurora Culture Centre.
\n\u201cThe vision is a space that links the [two buildings] with a gathering space which will be at the heart of Aurora\u2019s Cultural Precinct,\u201d said planner Donna Hinde at the last of a series of Town Hall meetings which attracted dozens of area residents and stakeholders. \u201cOver the course of these conversations, we [have compiled] page after page of notes from people that we spoke to and when I went through the list [we heard] things like a winter carnival, a tree lighting, gallery space for artists, a flea market and food trucks.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re trying to design a space where nothing is precluded. Everybody\u2019s great ideas can find a space that would be ultimately programmed by the Town of Aurora with help from the Library and Cultural Centre.\u201d
\nIndeed, that\u2019s exactly what the two concepts entail \u2013 flexible spaces tailored for a variety of community uses. Both options feature a large programable space bordered by landscaping and other amenities, both also feature 80 on-site parking spaces, but how these spaces are configured tell a very different story.
\nThe first option, dubbed the \u201cRaised Square\u201d option will see the sloping area between the Library and Cultural Centre raised to the level of the Cultural Centre, providing a flat surface between the two well-used community hubs with parking configured below the surface.
\nThis option, as presented to the public, will provide vehicular access from Victoria Street, divert parking below grade, while leaving a wide-open area above with significant potential.
\nThis option, said Ms. Hinde, could include a marketplace and stalls for up to 80 vendors, the option of \u201cgiant harvest tables\u201d spread out across the area to accommodate a community dinner for over 300 people, a giant movie screen for public viewing, and a refrigerated platform area that would allow up to 400 people to enjoy outdoor skating.
\nThe second option would lower Library Square to be flush with the ground level access to the Aurora Public Library, offering parking just off Victoria Street and most of the amenities proposed in Option One.
\nBoth concepts feature an area set aside for possible future expansion of the Aurora Cultural Centre.
\nVictoria Hall remains just outside the area considered for Library Square.
\nContained within the report presented to Council this week is a summary of stakeholder comments.
\nMembers of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, which kicked off last Monday\u2019s series of information sessions, voiced concerns over the cost and construction of Option 1, while the Aurora Public Library voiced its support for Option 1, adding the construction should be coordinated with a long-planned renovation of the Library itself.
\nThe Library augmented its support by stating they would pick in a portion of their own development charges (charges paid by a developer coming into the community to offset the impact of growth) to realise Option #1.
\nThe Aurora Cultural Centre, on the other hand, has voiced support for Option 2, noting that the proposed expansion to the Centre itself would need to be built in order to \u201crelate\u201d the facility to the rest of Library Square.
\nWhile many of the people at the public information sessions offered their support for Option One, with some of this support tempered by concerns over the final price tag, Option Two is the one staff are recommending Council consider this week.
\n\u201cThe Planning Partnership believes that both options are viable, however Option 2 with the lowered square has been identified as the preferred option,\u201d said Fausto Filipetto, Senior Policy Planner for the Town of Aurora. \u201c[Both options] have merit in creating a public gathering space that connects both the Library and the Cultural Centre buildings. However, Option 2 is preferred\u2026for the following reasons: visibility from the street and safety, architectural impact (the square would be framed by a two-storey library instead of just one storey; sense of space [in that] the lowered square would provide for an amphitheatre setting where seating would be designed into the retaining walls; cost of construction ($2 million less than Option 1) and the cost of maintaining the underground parking and safety issues associated with it.\u201d
\n$500,000 has been previously earmarked for demolition of Library Square and design services for what replaces it. Full costs and how the construction of Library Square will be funded is set for a future report.<\/p>\n\"Facebook\"<\/a>\"twitter\"<\/a>\"mail\"<\/a>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Two concept plans for the future redevelopment of Library Square are set for Council consideration this week after a series of public information sessions.
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