Builders on site as the controversial Cultural and Civic Space build gets underway

The Cultural and Civic Space construction site at Gordon St is springing into life.

A Lipman site office has been set up at the Cultural and Civic Space construction site. Photo by Janine Watson

The Cultural and Civic Space construction site at Gordon St is springing into life.

Earlier this week a Lipman site office was established in the brick building behind the Coffs Central carpark.

It opens onto Riding Lane and the fig tree which will be preserved and play a central role in the design of the new building.

Fencing has been constructed around the tree and signs marking it as a ‘tree protection zone’.

How the Cultural and Civic Space will look from the outside with the Riding Lane fig tree in the foreground.

In March last year Coffs Harbour City Councillors voted to appoint Lipman Pty Ltd to provide Early Contractor Involvement services and last month they were awarded the next contract phase (Design and Construction).

The Early Contractor Involvement process resulted in strong interest from local tradies, with approximately 55 per cent of the cost of the building materials and labour being supplied by locals.

“The total cost of the project is now expected to be $81.27 million, which is approximately $4.75 million (6.2 per cent) over the $76.52 million project budget, established in 2018,” General Manager Steve McGrath said.

Cultural and Civic Space construction underway. The Riding Lane fig tree will take pride of place in the new building. Photo by Janine Watson

The building is due to be finished by the end of 2022. It will include a new art gallery, museum, council offices and community meeting spaces.

Councillors will consider the allocation of funds for two permanent museum exhibitions at the CCS at this week’s Council meeting.