Here’s what’s happening:
New Central Library Construction Update / September 2023
In late spring, SPL issued the construction tender for the new central library after both Class A cost estimates we received aligned with the project budget. The construction bids SPL received in late August were substantially beyond the budget available. As a result, SPL has cancelled the construction tender. SPL is committed to building the new central library and working…
Budget & Schedule Update / Class A Cost Estimate / June 2023
Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) completed the final cost estimate for the new central library at 90% completion of the construction documents. We are pleased to report that the project remains on budget. The construction budget is $79.4 million. SPL received two independent Class A cost estimates, which came in at $79.7 million and $81.1 million. The higher of the two…
Budget & Schedule Update / Updated Class B Cost Estimate / January 2023
As of Jan 2023, the new central library project remains on budget. SPL recently updated the Class B Cost Estimate at 50% completion of the construction documents and one cost estimate remains before the construction contract is tendered this spring. The following summarizes our cost estimate process to date: Class D estimate at the end of Concept Design (complete), Class…
New Central Library’s Final Design Released / October 2022
Following years of planning and community consultations, we’ve released the final design for the new central library. Inspired by Indigenous cultures and architecture, this new library features many new spaces and will support world-class library services in our community for decades. The design of the new central library celebrates Saskatoon, its people and history, affirming a time-honoured commitment to inspiring…
Budget Update / Class B Cost Estimate / September 2022
SPL communicates cost updates at the end of each design milestone when we have updated drawings and the corresponding updated cost information is available. Working within our budget is a priority for the library. From the outset of this project, SPL has applied rigorous cost control measures to provide the highest level of cost certainty. To this end, we have engaged…
New Central Library Site Preparation Begins / August 2022
Construction crews have begun removing the existing building and parking surfaces on the site of the New Central Library (321 2nd Avenue North) in downtown Saskatoon. This will involve a comprehensive hazardous materials abatement process and recycling as much non-hazardous material as possible in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. Remediation of the site will occur…
Design Detail What We Heard Report Released / March 2022
Thank you to everyone who participated in consultations during the design detail phase for Saskatoon’s new central library! We’re now finalizing all of the technical requirements and design decisions for this project. This report summarizes feedback we received during public consultations held Jan 26 – Feb 11, 2022. READ THE WHAT WE HEARD DETAIL DESIGN REPORT
New Central Library Schematic Design Released, Consultations Begin / January 2022
Saskatoon Public Library has released the schematic design for the new central library. The schematic design report features an updated exterior rendering, detailed floorplans and information on other key facility features. Read the Schematic Design Report We’re starting the final design phase and we’d like to hear from you. Complete a survey and join us for our last community consultation…
New Central Library Design Check-In Report Released / August 2021
Saskatoon Public Library (SPL) has released two reports related to the design of the new central library. The What We Heard Report summarizes feedback the library heard from the community during the schematic design consultations held in June. The design check-in report shows how the schematic design is progressing, complete with updated floorplans, and how community input has been incorporated…
Concept Design of New Central Library Released, Phase Two Consultations Begin / May 2021
Saskatoon Public Library has released the concept design for the new central library. Designed by Alfred Waugh (Formline Architecture) and Stephan Chevalier (Chevalier Morales Architectes), the building’s concept draws inspiration from traditional First Nation and Métis architecture. The exterior of the building references the First Nation tipi, while the interior mass timber structure references the Métis log cabin. The design…