Hervey Bay Community Hub

A national construction company which has developed major government, commercial, health, retail and entertainment projects will be appointed as the building contractor for the next stage of the new Hervey Bay Library and Fraser Coast Regional Council Administration Centre.

Cr Denis Chapman said the Australian Government was partnering with Council through the Hinkler Regional Deal to build a vibrant community hub in the heart of Hervey Bay.

“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 appointment of Hansen Yuncken as the building contractor is an important step in the delivery of this project, with detailed design underway now and construction expected to start next year and be completed in 2025.”

Cr David Lewis said the building would include an expanded library over two levels, a new public plaza, and flexible spaces that could be booked for meetings or events both day and night.

“The new Library and Council Administration Centre will be a place to support learning and innovation, and a place where the community can come together to socialize and benefit from centralised Council services,” he said.

“More than three quarters of this development will be dedicated to community space.

“By improving the library’s floor space and design, we can cater for our growing population and help improve education outcomes in our region.”

Cr Zane O’Keefe said Hansen Yuncken had a strong track record of delivering major projects, such as the Hervey Bay Hospital Emergency Department redevelopment and the University of Sunshine Coast Moreton Bay Foundation building.

“Council is using an Early Contractor Involvement model for the delivery of the new Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre,” he said.

“This means that a building contractor will work with Council and its architects on the final design of the building before submitting a final tender to construct the building.

“This process helps leverage the builder’s significant experience, reduces risk and ensures we have the most cost-effective design for the building.”

The Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre (incorporating a Disaster Resilience Centre) is a commitment under the Hinkler Regional Deal.

The project is estimated to cost around $100 million, and is funded by a $40 million Australian Government commitment through the Community Development Grants Programme, Council’s general revenue, land sales and borrowings.

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.

More details about the Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre project is available on Council’s Engagement Hub website at: https://frasercoast.engagementhub.com.au/hervey-bay-library-administration-centre-inc-disaster-resilience-centre.

Local tradespeople, sub-contractors and suppliers can register their interest in working on the project via the Engagement Hub website.

Additional background about the Early Contractor Involvement process

Hansen Yuncken has been selected as the preferred tenderer to assist Council in progressing the design development for the new Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre through an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) agreement.

Following completion of the ECI stage and acceptance of the developed design and pricing, Council will enter into a Design and Construct Agreement with either the ECI contractor or an alternative contractor to finalise the design and construct the new building.