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The Clock Tower is an important part of the Library[...]this structure is integral to the design, functioning & safety of the existing Library. [Feiko 2008]

"The Clock Tower is an important part of the Library. To suggest it’s removal, is ignorance and wasteful of rate payers money: this structure is integral to the design, functioning & safety of the existing Library.
As well as iconic urban marker it is a fire escape stair and would need to be replaced within the existing complex at great expense/destuction/disruption.
It is incredible to me that Council has endorsed this ridiculous idea as “the winning concept”.
I am the architect for the existing Library building, which was built as Stage One of a master plan for both triangular sites surrounding the car park.
The 2 triangles:
The existing Library building was designed to link with “the other triangle” i.e. the bitumen covered continuing urban blight adjoining to the south - this is the triangle requiring urban repair.
Not ill-considered waste of public money, currently promoted in the paper by Council, destroying the much loved Clock Tower & mature trees.
Encourage store owners to enhance laneway frontages, however, avoid the cringing fantasy references to “Melbourne-style hubs”.
My more detailed objection can be obtained from the GM and Councillors"

Bouman, F 2009, Manly triangle revamp plan, The Manly Daily