What should replace the Stirling Rotunda?

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Project Update

The Stirling Rotunda replacement design concepts are currently being drafted and finalised based on the Stage 1 consultation feedback. Council will review the draft concepts in preparation for a Stage 2 consultation planned for 2021/2022.

To ensure you don't miss the opportunity to have your say during the Stage 2 consultation follow the project and leave your email address on the right.




The rotunda in Stirling was recently damaged in a vehicle accident, and subsequently had to be demolished. Council is now seeking design ideas and community input into what a new replacement facility might be.

Background

The rotunda located on the Stirling Library lawns was damaged in a car accident on 6 August 2018 and due to the significance of the damage, was required to be demolished.

The rotunda was built by the Stirling Apex Club as a Centenary of Federation project in 2001.

Community groups have been instrumental in the initial build of the rotunda and its dedication as a memorial as well as ongoing maintenance of the rotunda. The Stirling Library lawn is a very popular space with the community for passive recreation and events. With increasing demand on this space for events, it is a good time to review how the space is used and what facilities would best support the continued use by the community.

Stage 1 Consultation Outcomes

The Stage 1 consultation highlighted the following for consideration:

  • Accommodate for the growing / changing role of the library and include greater connection and integration of design between the inside and the outside.
  • Ensure the facility has power and WiFi access points.
  • Potential functionality for musical performances and presentations.
  • Include a functional ‘backdrop’ for a stage/amphitheater while also allowing an open line of sight across the space for traffic travelling in from Aldgate and driving through Stirling.
  • A multi-purpose facility, with it being less of a rotunda and more an amphitheater
  • Creatively include any new protection measures that need to be installed (i.e. ‘artistic’ bollards / Stirling Spheres).
  • Location/placement to accommodate current and future use for events and activities (eg Fringe Events, Markets)
  • Retain as much green space as possible and keep the open feel
  • Recognition that the site gets a very large number of post school youth utilisation.



Project Update

The Stirling Rotunda replacement design concepts are currently being drafted and finalised based on the Stage 1 consultation feedback. Council will review the draft concepts in preparation for a Stage 2 consultation planned for 2021/2022.

To ensure you don't miss the opportunity to have your say during the Stage 2 consultation follow the project and leave your email address on the right.




The rotunda in Stirling was recently damaged in a vehicle accident, and subsequently had to be demolished. Council is now seeking design ideas and community input into what a new replacement facility might be.

Background

The rotunda located on the Stirling Library lawns was damaged in a car accident on 6 August 2018 and due to the significance of the damage, was required to be demolished.

The rotunda was built by the Stirling Apex Club as a Centenary of Federation project in 2001.

Community groups have been instrumental in the initial build of the rotunda and its dedication as a memorial as well as ongoing maintenance of the rotunda. The Stirling Library lawn is a very popular space with the community for passive recreation and events. With increasing demand on this space for events, it is a good time to review how the space is used and what facilities would best support the continued use by the community.

Stage 1 Consultation Outcomes

The Stage 1 consultation highlighted the following for consideration:

  • Accommodate for the growing / changing role of the library and include greater connection and integration of design between the inside and the outside.
  • Ensure the facility has power and WiFi access points.
  • Potential functionality for musical performances and presentations.
  • Include a functional ‘backdrop’ for a stage/amphitheater while also allowing an open line of sight across the space for traffic travelling in from Aldgate and driving through Stirling.
  • A multi-purpose facility, with it being less of a rotunda and more an amphitheater
  • Creatively include any new protection measures that need to be installed (i.e. ‘artistic’ bollards / Stirling Spheres).
  • Location/placement to accommodate current and future use for events and activities (eg Fringe Events, Markets)
  • Retain as much green space as possible and keep the open feel
  • Recognition that the site gets a very large number of post school youth utilisation.



Guest Book

Do you have an idea or comment about designing a new community facility to replace the Rotunda? Share your ideas and comments below.
The initial public consultation has concluded.

It could be powered to allow bands and choirs to play / jam for just a couple of hours a designated couple of times a week.

Nassim0205 over 5 years ago

Both my kids (now grown ups) spent many happy gatherings with friends at the Rotunda.we would love to see a rebuild.
A more modern simple design would perhaps be nice, one that suits the setting .
Wedon’t support anything larger or visually dominating the lawns. It is a beautiful peaceful much loved spot

L ward over 5 years ago

I think you should put the Rotunda back!!! It was stunning. It was a feature. Everyone knew to meet at the 'Rotunda' on the lawn in front of the library. It was a land mark. It was also very ascetically beautiful. Such a disappointment to see it gone. Put it back!!!!!!

It was used so many times by so many people. BBQ's. Wines. People reading books from the library. Stalls would use it during different events. Us 9 girls used it for a monthly Sunday bookclub meet up. During the Stirling Fringe it was used as a band set up with a singer 'Jennifer De Grassi' to sing jazz on the staircase....just to name one person. I've seen so many people using it throughout the different seasons as I would drive past it daily. I even saw pet owners sitting there in the middle of winter taking a break from walking the dog and sheltering from the cold. Such a shame it is gone.

I repeat - bring it back!

alida over 5 years ago

I appreciate that you've listed the after school use as I'm always impressed by how comfortable the youth are in using the library and surrounding spaces.
I'd like to see something that has 'soft' design features as it seems as if many buildings and public spaces in Stirling are becoming very angular and sharp edged - even garden beds. It seems as if the IKEA school of design is taking over! I'd like to see something that has more of a village feel to it. A cross between a rotunda and an amphitheatre - with a semi enclosed feel so as to be comforting for people who want to congregate.
If any artwork is to be included I think there should definitely be more public consultation - I'd like to see something that acknowledges the Indigenous heritage of the area.

Joy over 5 years ago

I would like to see something that represents the original owners of the land. Currently we appear to be a very middle class 'white' suburb, perhaps an Aboriginal shelter similar to those built along Sir Donald Bradman drive. Or a piece of Aboriginal art with a plaque that is in the language of the traditional owners of the land

Angela Andary over 5 years ago

Build a bigger rotunda in the same style as the previous one. It would be great if it has power and wifi, and was lit up in some way at night.

Tamarack over 5 years ago

Replace the rotunda, slightly larger but no internet etc. Surely the insurance covers this, it provided a sheltered, semi secluded area to meet

Miss the icon over 5 years ago

I understand people miss the old rotunda, but let's acknowledge there is a beautiful rotunda at Steamroller Park which is gorgeous and represents that era in our lovely town. This is a fantastic opportunity to create a feature which compliments the modern, beautiful and well utilised, library. A modern amphitheatre seems like a perfect solution, 'sound shell' style perhaps or something else modern, medium sized so not to dominate the space. Something that can be used 24/7 for young people or school groups to hang out in, but then plug it in and 'turn it on' for events: Stirling fringe; Anzac and rememberence day ceremonies; Christmas carols etc. It would be awesome to incorporate Indigenous art/design as this is something very much missing in Stirling- it would importantly acknowledge our Indigenous people and culture, and in my view a secondary benefit would be attracting more international tourists to our stunning part of the world here in Stirling. Thanks for the opportunity to provide comment and good luck with this important project.

Anna over 5 years ago

I would like to see an amphitheater that can be used for fringe events, Christmas carols and for children to play and perform on.

Monique over 5 years ago

A small amphitheater space that is multiple purpose for youth to hang out in.

Mia Billington over 5 years ago

It needs to have a roof so it is sheltered from sun and rain.
I'm not enthusiastic about an amphitheatre or anything that feels like a heavy mass. One of the great things about the rotunda was its light visual impact. It seemed jus right in that space.

Lyn Elliott over 5 years ago

it should be replaced with a similar sized rotunda in the same historical design, if there is room for a bigger floor area this should be considered.

SandL over 5 years ago

A contemporary take on a rotunda that respects the history, is multipurpose and able to be used for the community.

Kittyhawk over 5 years ago

I think it has become an icon. I think we need to accommodate the needs of the area, namely the library events, stage area, with all facilities for music live ands recorded. A place to play musical and choirs performances etc. for markets, weddings and other special events.
Maybe something like a “Sound Shell” style would suit accoustically but designed to suit the village style that is already significant of the Main Street.As the area is close to the road consideration needs to be taken into account for the safety of children. Ther is not a lot of lawned area with in Stirling Main Street so it is an area to be preserved for families. Some protection will be needed from the weather.

Merrilyn H over 5 years ago

Some sort of focal structure, such as a feature pavillion / pergola area, with some roofed area and part open. It could also have lead in, curved pathways either side with artistic displays of historic hills identities or groups and info - similar to 'The Captain's Walk' in Cootamundra NSW of Australian Test cricket captains. These could be developed over time.

Derek G over 5 years ago

The rotunda should be rebuilt but larger.
it would be good if the design allowed for large events and gatherings such as the ANZAC day dawn service to make the experience better.

Joe G over 5 years ago

Please Council talk to the kids who use this space. Friday afternoons is one of the peak time for kids on the Library lawn after school. A replacement rotunda or a raised pavilion with adequate shelter would provide a stage for performances (including Stirling Fringe) and some respite from the weather for kids after school. A suitable structure is needed for community use including special events and to showcase projects, such as the knitting exhibition. A barrier could be erected on the lawn boundary to protect both people and structures within this space from errant vehicles. The rotunda was a Stirling icon and is greatly missed.

Alis over 5 years ago

The rotunda should be rebuilt as it is an iconic image for Stirling since its inception. It can serve the community well for many functions and events. Bring back our rotunda.

Lamasng over 5 years ago

Just rebuild it.You got the insurance.

Henry over 5 years ago

Please replace it with a replica of the original one. Having grown up in Stirling it saddens me to see some of our historical sites disappearing.
There have been weddings in it; many of us met with friends there; used it for picnics. I remember it being used for a band some Christmases, likewise the one in Steamroller Park. Please replace it with another rotunda.

Glenric2 over 5 years ago
Page last updated: 23 Feb 2023, 02:59 PM