The Hervey Bay Community Hub has officially opened with the community officially welcomed today into the landmark facility in the heart of the city.
The Hub features an expanded two-level library, a new Council Customer Service Centre, Disaster Resilience Centre and modern Council administration offices.
One of the largest civic infrastructure projects ever undertaken on the Fraser Coast, the five-level building spans almost 9,000 square metres.
The project was delivered as part of the Hinkler Regional Deal with $40 million support from the Australian Government.
Construction supported approximately 1,282 full-time jobs and generated around $141 million in wages. A total of 19 local businesses were engaged throughout the project, with more than $20.6 million awarded through local contracts.
More than 330 Council staff will relocate into levels two, three and four to improve collaboration, streamline operations and deliver more efficient services for the community.
Construction included 93 foundation piles, more than 7,400 cubic metres of concrete, 612 tonnes of structural steel and 155 rooftop solar panels to help power the building.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm:
"The Hervey Bay Community Hub is a landmark piece of infrastructure that will serve this thriving community for many decades.
"The hub boasts a diverse range of spaces and services for the community including a new library, makerspace, podcast studios, meeting rooms, children's spaces and a public plaza.
"Bringing more people into the city centre will help support local businesses and strengthens council's offering to the local community, with improved customer service facilities now on offer at the new hub.
"The Albanese Government is proud to have invested in this project and will continue to invest in projects like it across the Fraser Coast to make it an even better place to live and work."
Quotes attributable to Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour:
"The opening of the Community Hub marks a once-in-a-generation transformation for the Hervey Bay City Centre and is an investment that will serve our growing community for decades to come.
"It has been fantastic to see so many people walk through the doors and experience everything the Community Hub has to offer, from the new technology and creative spaces through to the expanded library and improved customer service facilities.
"Over the last month, the library team has relocated more than 74,000 catalogue items into the new building, creating a modern and welcoming space where people can read, learn, create, connect and discover.
"Whether you're studying, attending a workshop, using the podcast studio, meeting with friends, doing business with Council or simply relaxing in the plaza, this hub offers something for everyone."
