Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council has today called tenders for the construction of the Queanbeyan Civic and Cultural Precinct (QCCP) – an essential component of the exciting Queanbeyan CBD transformation.
The QCCP will be constructed on the site of the former Council administration building at 257 Crawford Street and into the Lowe Street car park. The development will have a strong focus on community and cultural purposes, with more than 40% of the precinct comprising community spaces, gallery linkages to The Q and Bicentennial Hall, new basement parking and public domain. The QCCP includes a head office for Council staff, the library, conference meeting rooms, and lettable space for NSW Government agencies, commercial offices and a smart hub.
"Planning for a refurbished administration building in Queanbeyan has been underway for many years and it's pleasing to see the project reach this significant milestone," Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tim Overall said.
The QCCP will act as the catalyst for further redevelopment in the Queanbeyan CBD, with a number of Council-owned properties along Rutledge Street to be sold for future mixed-use developments. Council expects that these properties will be offered for sale in early 2021.
"The main goal of Council's CBD Transformation Strategy is to increase activity in the Queanbeyan CBD by attracting more workers and residents," Council CEO, Mr Peter Tegart said.
"The development of the QCCP will see more than 200 Council staff and up to 100 NSW Government staff located in the building, in addition to users of the smart hub, library and other community space."
The development application for the QCCP is currently being assessed by the Southern Region Planning Panel. Council has provided additional information as requested by the Panel and expects an outcome on the assessment in the coming weeks. The project will be funded by a long-term, low interest loan, which will be repaid by merger savings, lease income from the tenants and other savings from disposal of the older buildings currently occupied by staff.
Staff will assess the tenders in early 2021, with a recommendation to be presented to Council in February 2021. Providing a tenderer is appointed, construction will start in the months following, expecting to conclude at the end of 2022.
