An abandoned TAFE site will receive a new lease on life after a decade in limbo.
Plans have been revealed to transform the decommissioned Tewantin TAFE campus into a Sunshine Coast School of Design.
The announcement comes just months after police were called to the derelict site at 24 Cooroy Noosa Road over trespassing concerns sparked by an unauthorised clean-up.
On Monday the state government announced its plans to reinvigorate the campus, in partnership with architects and preferred proponent NRA Collaborative.
NRA Collaborative has proposed to re-use the buildings to develop the new School of Design, featuring educational facilities to service between 500 and 800 students annually.
The campus would offer creative industry courses such as fashion, art, industrial design, architecture and interior design.
NRA Collaborative has also proposed to undertake further consultation for future initiatives that could include a theatre, creative art space for the community and research facility.
The former TAFE closed in 2014 and over the years has been subject to vandalism, squatting and countless conversations on its future.
The state government labelled the site “totally unsuitable” for accommodation due to various biodiversity, bushfire and koala overlays, which quashed any options for potential housing.
In 2018 Noosa Council made an offer to purchase the site, however, in 2020 the council announced it would withdraw its application “due to the impacts of COVID-19”, with an expression of interest process for the site commencing instead.
The EOI process was finalised in 2022, however any announcement regarding the outcome was delayed due to Federal Court Native Title processes.
The state government said the site represented a significant part of the Tewantin community and its reactivation for the benefit of the residents in the Noosa region was a key priority.
“The Tewantin TAFE was once a source of pride for the Noosa communities, and I am confident that NRA Collaborative’s plans for the site will restore this facility to its former glory and provide immense benefits to these communities,” Premier Steven Miles said.
“The development of training infrastructure and creative spaces will support Queensland’s growing workforce, boost the local economy and provide and social benefits to the community.
“A Sunshine Coast School of Design will usher-in a new wave of creativity and design excellence – which will put more local people into high-value jobs.”
Over the years Noosa MP Sandy Bolton has been advocating for a suitable future for the site that would benefit the community.
“It has been a long journey and I thank the Queensland Government, residents and all who have waited whilst the challenges encountered along the way have been worked through and look forward to a future that will benefit our community,” Ms Bolton said.
“Over the coming months we look forward to engaging with the NRA Collaborative on their plans for the Sunshine Coast School of Design, and the opportunities that this site in the allowable footprint can provide to address the needs of Noosa.”
NRA Collaborative’s Noel Robinson said it submitted its proposal to restore the building and develop the school of design in 2021.
“We are now able to undertake design development work and to engage with approving authorities, planning and other consultants and potential end users,” he said.
The state government acknowledged it respected the recent determination for the Kabi Kabi people, which covers areas of Tewantin.
“The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) will work with NRA Collaborative to ensure a positive outcome for all,” a press release stated.
Once native title matters are finalised, DESBT and NRA will progress the reactivation of the site.
DESBT will continues to maintain the site until the various contractual processes are being finalised.
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