Bathurst Regional Council’s 2017-18 draft budget has a combined $700,000 allocated to refurbish Bathurst Library and Bathurst Regional Art Gallery (BRAG).

The most significant upgrade will be to the library, where council plans to put $450,000 into revamping the layout to provide a variety of spaces to the community. 

”The presentation of the library collections will be improved with updated shelving that will maximise access and use,” mayor Graeme Hanger OAM said.

“The look and feel of the library will be updated with a new colour scheme.”

He said the library upgrade should be complete by the end of the financial year and will enable the facility to deliver community programs, improve accessible collections, improve meeting spaces and provide more flexible access to technology.

BRAG’s $250,000 refurbishment will include upgrades to line the walls and insulate the ceilings to make the climate more stable. 

These works build on the 2016 upgrade of the air conditioning system and installation of a climate control system.

Cr Hanger said BRAG will be able to borrow major works from institutions that it was previously unable to as the facility did not meet the necessary standards.

A solar power array will be installed on the roof of the gallery and library complex later this month to lower the energy usage.

“The upgrades will bring the facilities up to best practice and into line with current trends and standards in addition to providing the community with improved and well-resourced public spaces to enjoy,” Cr Hanger said.

“It is very important these facilities are brought up to standard and maintained to ensure the community and visitors to the city not only have rich cultural experience, but also have easy access to information, knowledge and technology in comfortable and versatile environments.”