Inner West Council has received a development application for the demolition of existing structures and the construction of a three-storey mixed-use building at 33 Norton Street, Leichhardt. The proposed development, submitted by Co.As.It. – Italian Association of Assistance – aims to establish a new Italian library and community education facility in the heart of Sydney’s traditional Italian precinct.
The proposal includes a ground-floor commercial tenancy and two upper floors dedicated to community and educational use. The primary focus of the development is the creation of a public Italian library and cultural centre that will house Co.As.It.’s significant collection of Italian-language books and educational resources, currently stored off-site due to limited space.
The new library is expected to operate daily from 8:00am to 9:00pm and accommodate up to 24 visitors at a time. In addition to the library, the upper levels will offer language classes, digital literacy workshops, and health and wellbeing programs open to both the Italian and wider community. Up to ten classes per week are planned, each with a maximum of 20 students and two staff.
The ground floor will feature a commercial tenancy intended to generate revenue to support the not-for-profit activities of the upper levels. Access to the building will be provided via a central foyer with lift access to all floors. Customer service and reception areas will be located on the library levels.
Deliveries to the site will be handled via Norton Street, using existing loading zones available between 6:00am and 4:00pm daily. Security measures will include CCTV coverage and an intercom system at the main entrances.
The proposed development aligns with Co.As.It.’s mission to promote Italian language and culture and provide community support services. Established in 1968, the organisation has expanded its operations over the decades to include education, aged care, and community welfare initiatives throughout New South Wales.
The application is currently under assessment by Inner West Council.
