Construction of a new Hervey Bay City Centre community hub will start within weeks following the completion of the detailed design and the undergrounding of power around the site.
Fraser Coast Deputy Mayor Denis Chapman said the Australian Government was partnering with Council through the Hinkler Regional Deal to revitalise the Hervey Bay City Centre, and the cornerstone was the development of a new Library and Council Administration Centre.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the city centre, create jobs and drive business investment,” he said.
“More than three-quarters of this development will be community space with the new hub to be the one-stop spot for learning, socialising and accessing Council services.
“There’ll be an expanded library over two levels, a new outdoor public plaza and flexible spaces that could be booked for meetings and community events day and night.
“Bringing hundreds of workers together into the city centre will also boost nearby businesses. It will mean better collaboration between staff and ultimately more efficient services for the community.”
Cr Jade Wellings said undergrounding power around the site had been completed in recent weeks, which visually enhanced the area and paved the way for the building’s construction to start.
“Council awarded the tender to national construction company Hansen Yuncken in July to develop the new community hub, and with the detailed design now complete, site mobilisation and construction can start within weeks,” she said.
“This is a massive project that will be built over a two-and-a-half-year period, with an independent economic analysis by the AEC Group estimating the new building will support $146 million in industry output for local businesses during construction.
“Any local tradies or subbies wanting to find out more about how they can get involved in this project are encouraged to contact Hansen Yuncken directly at FCLAB@hansenyuncken.com.au
“While there will be some disruption during construction, the end result will be a major transformation of a key part of the Hervey Bay City Centre that will set the standard for other developments and stimulate business investment into our growing city.”
Cr David Lee said the AEC Group’s analysis found that constructing a new library and Council administration centre was between $42.5 million and $53.6 million cheaper than upgrading the existing library and existing Council offices.
“The relocation of Council’s administration centre has been on the drawing board for decades, local business groups support it as the number one project to grow the economy, and the Hinkler Regional Deal funding means it can finally become a reality,” he said.
“The sale of Council’s Tavistock Street site, which is in a residential area in Torquay, will help offset the costs of the new city centre community hub and potentially help address the housing availability crisis in our region.
“About 50 residential housing blocks, up to 200 units or about 120 homes in an over-50s lifestyle community development could be built on the Tavistock Street site.”
The Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre (incorporating a Disaster Resilience Centre) is a commitment under the Hinkler Regional Deal.
The construction contract has been awarded for a price of $108.7 million, and is funded by a $40 million Australian Government commitment, Council’s general revenue and land sales.
Construction is due to start in early 2024 and be completed in mid-2026.
More details about the Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre project is available on Council’s Engagement Hub website at: https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/hervey-bay-library-administration-centre-inc-disaster-resilience-centre
Article & photos submitted by Fraser Coast Regional Council.
