Living in the Area » Lane Cove Market Square   Lane Cove Market Square is a project involving the construction of a new Woolworths Supermarket, Carpark, Extended Library, Specialty Shops, and a gymnasium facility. Woolworths has been granted development consent by Council to build “Lane Cove Market Square” between Lane Cove's Austin Street and the Lane Cove Plaza. The approval was given after a long process of extensive community consultation, negotiation and consideration of legal, financial and commercial advice. In making its decision, Council also took into account positive comments from ICAC on the Council's process.   Above picture -North East Elevation Longueville Road – artist impression (You may click on the image for a bigger version of it) Two of the key benefits of this significant $30 million plus development include the provision for much needed community benefits such as car parking and a large library extension. Council also took into consideration when making its decision that the development had the support of the majority of the community, as shown by an independent survey commissioned by Council. The following outlines some of the details and community benefits of the Lane Cove Market Square development: Parking Recognising that for a long time there has been a clear need for increased parking in and around the Lane Cove shopping district, the Lane Cove Market Square will provide: Three levels of at least 318 undercover public parking spaces in the Lane Cove CBD Access to the carpark from both Sera Street and Austin Street, making it easier for residents to visit and shop in the centre of Lane Cove. Convenient access from the carpark to Lane Cove Plaza, Longueville Road shops and direct access into the new Lane Cove Library and the Woolworths supermarket plus specialty shops The current arrangements in the Austin Street carpark are less than ideal. A new link road between Austin Street and Sera Street will eliminate the need for traffic between these streets to drive through the congested Austin Street carpark. Library extension For over 20 years Council has considered a number of options to extend the Lane Cove Library. This library remains one of the busiest libraries in the State per head of population. For the past two decades, surveys of Lane Cove residents have repeatedly reported a demand for additional library services, which could not be provided within the constraints of the current library. HIGHLIGHTS 3,325sq m of supermarket and admin area 1,454sq m of specialty retail space and associated mall linking the Plaza with Longueville Road Lane Cove Library area increased from 1203 m2 to 3235 m2 3 level undercover carpark providing 335 spaces (318 min of these are public) A new Link Road along the western boundary of the site, between Austin and Sera Streets, providing access to the new multi-level car park Signage and landscaping An arcade style walkway between Longueville Road and the Plaza will provide pedestrian access to the Library and an outdoor café area and to specialty shops One of the main features of the Lane Cove Market Square development is the inclusion of sufficient space to extend the library to include meeting rooms, an enhanced local history and archives section, group study rooms and a special youth area. Council will be responsible for the library fit-out. The extension will see the Lane Cove Library (including admin/non-public areas) more than double in size from its existing 1,203sq m to a total area of 3235sq m. For easy access for all, the public section of the library will remain on the one level, extending from the original library building back along Austin Street to the new link road. Direct access to the library will also be available by lift or travellator from the carpark to the arcade walkway. When complete, the revamped, larger Lane Cove Library will provide a vibrant, interesting and exciting place to visit. It will continue to offer a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for all age groups with a community focus. It will provide: Study rooms and areas Large meeting/exhibition area (which can be divided into two meeting spaces) with district views 125sq m of local studies research area Story-time room Larger children's area New youth area Display areas More space between aisles Lower shelves Room for more books and technological resources Lane Cove Library's new extension into Austin Street – Artist impression Woolworths Once built, Lane Cove residents will have access to a new 3325 square metres of supermarket which will: Provide just over 100 new jobs Deliver more shopping choice and price competition Retain “village” atmosphere and environment due to design Lane Cove residents will also benefit from: A much larger library Quality specialty shops An arcade between the Plaza and the Library, and Toliet facilities including Parents' Room In addition, the development  ensures: Long-term benefits to Council from a 99-year lease (50-year term with an option to renew for a further 49 years) and, Public ownership of the land including Woolworths holdings The Woolworths Supermarket will be situated just below ground level and can be accessed via a travellator (at a slight gradient) from the Plaza or via a lift from the arcade at plaza level, the library or carpark.  Above picture - Lane Cove Market Square plaza frontage – Artist impression  (You may click on the image for a bigger version of it) Specialty Shops Lane Cove Market Square includes an arcade style walkway linking the Plaza with Longueville Road that will include specialty shops. Specialty shops will provide jobs for about 50 people, bringing the total of jobs created by Lane Cove Market Square to about 150.   Other Facilities Accessible off the arcade, Woolworths is providing new public toilets, including a parents' room. The carparking area will provide generously for disabled parking areas, parents with prams as well as for motor cyclists and bicycles. Early Works Construction Woolworths has committed to undertaking an early works package to complete the upper school drop off zone for the Lane Cove Public School and associated works in Austin Street prior to commencing the main development works. The early works package will also include demolition of the existing buildings in the Plaza (formerly Piping Hot and Clancy's) and the dwelling at 7 Austin Street. These early works will commence in January 08 with the majority of works being completed prior to the commencement of the 2008 school term.   Lane Cove Market Square Construction Woolworths has indicated that it expects to commence construction of the Lane Cove Market Square Development during the second quarter of 2008 and will take approximately two years to complete. As more information comes to hand, this section will be updated.   Further information Council's Director of Major Projects, Mr John Lee will manage Council's interests for the project. For enquiries telephone 9911 3564.       .