A leading construction company has been appointed to repurpose a council administration building into a new creative and community heart.
Hutchinson Builders has been revealed as the successful bidder to turn the Caloundra building into an integrated community facility with a district library and community meeting spaces.
Construction is expected to start this month, with completion scheduled for 2025.
Hutchies team leader Rob Morrison said the company was thrilled to have been selected to create the facility.
“Our team, based locally in Maroochydore, is committed to delivering a high-quality, sustainable and innovative building that will serve the needs of the Caloundra and Sunshine Coast community for generations to come,” he said.
“The benefits from a project of this nature have a flow-on affect to many local contractors, suppliers and businesses, and it is anticipated that up to 500 workers may be involved throughout the course of construction.”
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Sunshine Coast Council Division 2 Councillor Terry Landsberg said awarding the $34.8 million building contract would deliver significant social, community and economic benefits.
“Designed by Wilson Architects, with sustainability at its core design response, Caloundra’s new state-of-the-art Library+ will include features that will reduce environmental impact and embrace the Sunshine Coast climate,” he said.
“Establishing a new contemporary district library in the heart of the Community + Creative Hub will provide an integrated space connecting The Events Centre, the proposed new Regional Gallery and new Town Square, through to Bulcock Street.”
The three-storey building will include a contemporary district library, a customer service centre and community spaces on the first two levels.
Council administration and councillor offices and additional bookable meeting spaces will be located on the top floor.
It will have a minimum five-star Green Star Design and As Built accreditation target.
Cr Landsberg said Hutchinson Builders had a strong track record delivering large-scale, complex projects, and was well-known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
“They have a team of experienced professionals who will work closely with the project stakeholders to ensure that the new district library and community space meets the needs of the community and exceeds their expectations,” he said.
For more details about the project click here.
Sunshine Coast Council told Sunshine Coast News earlier this year that it was pressing ahead with plans to upgrade and repurpose two of its administrative centres, after moving most of its operations to a new $100m city hall.
Council has staff at 38 locations on the Sunshine Coast, including the admin centres in Maroochydore, Caloundra and Nambour, as well as depots and satellite service locations such as libraries, exhibition grounds and venues.
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