THE opening of the new Ringwood Library, Learning and Cultural Centre will be delayed by more than 12 months.
The centre, which will be built by Queensland Investment Corporation as part of its $500 million Eastland shopping centre redevelopment, was set to open in late 2014 but will now not open until 2016.
Construction on the site was to begin late last year but has not yet begun.
The news comes as the state government announced a $500,000 funding boost for Maroondah Council's internal fitout of the centre. It is in addition to a $400,000 federal grant received last year.
Maroondah chief executive officer Frank Dixon said the council's hands were tied.
"Look, it is slightly delayed. They [Eastland owner QIC] are carrying out the works so it has to be when they're ready to go," he said.
"It's still all systems go. Considering all the factors in the retail world it's amazing they're able to proceed with the project. While we would like to have it completed earlier, it's more important that it's still going ahead.
"We are concerned about the delays but fully understand them."
The $13 million centre will replace the existing Ringwood library.
In July last year the council said it would relocate the library "in the coming months" to a temporary home in Warrandyte Road to accommodate construction works.
However this will now not happen until mid-2013, according to the council website.
In 2007, the council sold a large amount of land along Maroondah Highway for the Eastland redevelopment for $9.8 million, on the condition that new council facilities — including the library — were built by QIC and leased back to council.
The council had previously said the value of the finished product would be "in excess of $22 million". The library and learning centre will be located on Maroondah Highway as the centrepiece of a new Ringwood town square precinct.
QIC refused to comment on specific questions about the delays and stated developments were "progressing well".
Maroondah Council is running an online survey for locals to have their say on what they would like to see in the new Ringwood library.
To have your say, go to maroondah.vic.gov.au