Media Statement - Bay View Community Centre is Buzzing

Media Statement - Bay View Community Centre is Buzzing

In response to the POST newspaper’s article ‘Claremont readers flee next door’ Friday 31 October 2025, page 7, the Town provides the following information.

Council determined to relocate the library services to the Bay View Community Centre in June 2024. The former library building (Church) is adjacent to the forthcoming development known as ‘Quentin Square’ by Kuraland, which will commence very soon. The disruption including noise, dust and access that this development will create was not symbiotic with the provision of library services or the safety of its patrons.

While the Bay View Community Centre is not a purpose-built library, the options for a library space within the Town were limited. However, since its relocation to the Bay View Community Centre, the active membership has increased from 6,461 in 23-24 to 10,393 in 24-25. Despite a slightly smaller building footprint, the community still has the same access to reading and learning material as it did previously, plus the number of people attending workshops and classes has grown.

The Bay View Community Centre library is part of the Western Suburbs Library Group (WSLG); these are libraries funded and managed by the Towns of Claremont, Cottesloe, Mosman Park, Shire of Peppermint Grove, and Cities of Subiaco and Nedlands. The WSLG allows members to utilise the resources of all these libraries.

Collectively, Cottesloe, Mosman Park and Peppermint Grove jointly provide The Grove library. The Town of Claremont provides one library on its own.

In support of a growing community, Council is looking at options for a future community centre, which has the potential to include a purpose-built library space. Community consultation regarding this will commence very soon.

The Church on Stirling Highway is currently being leased to the construction company that will be building ‘Quentin Square’. This astute decision will allow a condensed construction site for this major build, facilitating a smoother outcome for the businesses and visitors to the Town Centre for the duration of the build.

For further information on activities and what’s happening at the BVCC visit https://www.claremont.wa.gov.au/places/bay-view-community-centre/.

CONTACT
Manager Communications and Customer Relations - Ashley Rush
P: 9285 4300 E: media@claremont.wa.gov.au