UPDATE, June 20:
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Two weeks after scaffolding went up around the old Raymond Terrace library, leading to much speculation about what was happening to the building, it has come down to reveal little change.
The scaffolding was put up on June 5 and taken down today, June 20.
While the building has a fresher looking facade, from the outside it appears little else aside from a coat of paint has been done to it.
A Port Stephens Council spokeswoman said the building will be used by the Australian Electoral Commission in the upcoming NSW Local Government election.
“It will be temporarily utilised by the AEC as the Returning Officer’s office and the election office for the upcoming elections,” the spokeswoman said.
“This will include pre-polling.”
The NSW local government election will be held on September 9.
Port Stephens residents are required to vote in this election.
EARLIER, June 15:
When scaffolding went up around the old Raymond Terrace library last week, speculation about what was happening to it immediately arose.
Despite hopes that the building, which was the town’s library until 2013, would be turned into a restaurant, a dance studio or apartments, the truth is a little more restrained.
It is simply undergoing some maintenance.
A spokeswoman from Port Stephens Council, who own the building, said the old library is undergoing planned maintenance and a facade upgrade.
“It will be temporarily utilised by the AEC [Australian Electoral Commission] as the Returning Officer’s office and the election office for the upcoming elections,” the spokeswoman said.
“This will include pre-polling.
“There will also be a pre-polling place in the Bay, location to be confirmed.”
The NSW local government election will be held on September 9.
Port Stephens residents are required to vote in this election.
Scaffolding went up around the building on the corner of William and Port Stephens streets, which was built in 1946, on June 5.
It has been empty since the library was moved to its current premises in Sturgeon Street in 2013.
The library’s move to its current home, which was once the town’s police station, cost $450,000.
The move was made due to the old building needing repairs, and the council needing larger and more modern premises to house its library of books and technology.
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Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
