Demolition begins for Hervey Bay CBD redevelopment
The Fraser Coast council has begun clearing at the site of its CBD redevelopment, despite the project not yet having the final sign-off from its elected representatives.
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Demolition work at the corner of Main St and Torquay Rd at Pialba has begun, despite the final sign-off on the multimillion dollar redevelopment of the site yet to be given by Fraser Coast councillors.
The council is expected to vote on final approval of the $100million public plaza, library, council administration centre and community spaces later this month. But the bulldozers have already moved in.
It is understood preparations have begun ahead of the vote as delaying could hold the project up for months.
The project had previously been priced at $93m, but it is understood with the rising cost of construction it could reach $120 million.
Deputy Mayor Denis Chapman said the federal government was partnering with the council through the Hinkler Regional Deal to build the new community hub.
The big spending in Hervey Bay has left ratepayers in other parts of the region unimpressed.
“The new development in the Hervey Bay City Centre will feature a public plaza, a larger library over two levels, a council administration centre incorporating a Disaster Resilience Centre and flexible community spaces that can be booked day and night,” Mr Chapman said.
“This project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the Hervey Bay city centre, to create jobs and drive economic growth and investment.
“Detailed design of the new Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre is underway now, and work on undergrounding power near where the new building will be is due to start later this month.
“Before that can happen, the vacant building that council owns on the corner of Main Street and Torquay Road must be demolished. That work has started this week and is expected to be finished in the coming days.
“The work to underground power is expected to be completed by November, weather and construction conditions permitting.
“There will be traffic management in place while the works are underway to underground power, including a full closure of Torquay Road from the Torquay Road roundabout west while trenching works are completed.
“Council will be working with Ergon to ensure businesses in the area have continued power supply while the process to underground power is underway.
“We thank businesses and residents in advance for their patience while this important work occurs.”
Councillor David Lewis said more than three-quarters of the development would be community space.
“The new library and council administration centre will be a place to support learning and innovation, and a place where the community can come together to socialise and benefit from centralised council services,” he said.
“By improving the library’s floor space and design, we can cater for our growing population and help improve education outcomes in our region.”
The project has had some detractors, with Maryborough MP Bruce Saunders calling it the “Hervey Bay Taj Mahal”.
It would be partially funded with $40 million awarded from the Hinkler Regional Deal, but the council would need to borrow more than $50 million to build the new facilities, a figure Mr Saunders said would blow out.
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