Local tradies, sub-contractors and suppliers interested in working on Fraser Coast Regional Council’s new Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre are being encouraged to get in touch with the three construction companies shortlisted to build the development.
Councillor David Lee said ADCO Constructions, BADGE Constructions and Hansen Yuncken had been shortlisted to progress to the selective tender stage for the project.
“This is a once in a generation opportunity to reshape the Hervey Bay City Centre, to create jobs and drive economic growth and investment,” he said.
“The head contractor will ultimately be responsible for organising sub-contractors and doing due diligence before developing any sub-contracting agreements, but now is the time for local businesses to register their interest, with construction expected to start next year and be completed by 2025.
“The three shortlisted companies will be assessed on local involvement as part of the tender process, so we encourage local businesses interested in working on this project to get in touch with the companies as soon as possible.”
More information about the project and contact details for the shortlisted companies is available on Council’s Engagement Hub.
Councillor Jade Wellings said Council was partnering with the Australian Government through the Hinkler Regional Deal to revitalize the city centre, with a key plank being the construction of the new Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre.
“The community will be at the core of this new development with an expanded library over two levels, a new public plaza and flexible spaces that can be booked for meetings or events. More than three quarters of the development will be community space,” she said.
“The project is continuing to move ahead with the concept design recently endorsed by Council and the process for appointing a head contractor now moving to the next stage.”
Councillor Darren Everard said Council was using an Early Contractor Involvement model for the construction of the new Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre.
“This means that the head contractor will be involved from an earlier stage of the project. This approach aims to save time and costs as the project moves forward,” he said.
“Council anticipates appointing the head contractor in December.”
The Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre (incorporating a Disaster Resilience Centre) is a commitment under the Hinkler Regional Deal.
The project is funded through a combination of Australian Government funding ($40 million), Council’s general revenue, land sales and borrowings, and is estimated to cost almost $100 million.
The Hinkler Regional Deal for the Bundaberg-Hervey Bay region is an Australian Government initiative in partnership with the local Councils that seeks to build on the area’s strengths to provide economic growth and long-term employment.