Project update: November 17, 2022
Work starts on highly anticipated Northern Beaches project
Council is about to start work on its largest community infrastructure project in more than 20 years.
On Monday, November 21, civil works are scheduled to begin on a parcel of land opposite Northern Beaches State High School to make way for the Northern Beaches Community Hub.
The civil works will include the construction of J4 Road, off Rosewood Drive and Eimeo Road, and associated earthworks.
While these works are under way, design consultants CA Architects will begin working on the detailed design for stage 1A and 1B of the project.
Following the completion of the civil works, construction is planned to begin on stage 1A, which has received $6.5 million in funding from the Australian Government and a $4.2 million contribution from council.
Council also plans to seek funding for stage 1B, which will include a library, meeting rooms and a cafe.
Deputy Mayor Karen May, who chairs the Northern Beaches Community Hub Reference Group, said CA Architects had recently met with the group to discuss plans for the facility.
“There was a lot of positive feedback regarding the project, and everyone is excited for the facility to start taking shape,” Cr May said.
“Stage 1A will include a nature play area, a multipurpose court with line marking for various ball sports and a picnic area, among other things,” she said.
“The Northern Beaches is our region’s fastest growing area, and this project will provide residents with access to a range of community facilities it desperately needs.
“It will also serve as a welcoming meeting place for locals.
“Parents who want easy access to swimming lessons for their children will also be pleased to know that we are looking forward to bringing a new aquatics centre to the Northern Beaches as part of future stages of this project.”
If you would like to view the master plan for this project, find more information and subscribe to project update emails, visit connectingmackay.com.au/northern-beaches-community-hub.
Northern Beaches Community Hub stages include:
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Stage 1A – Includes a multipurpose undercover area, parking area, nature play area, picnic area, landscaping, pedestrian links and internal roads. Design and construction is funded by the Australian Government and Mackay Regional Council.
A Changing Places (accessible adult change facility for people with a disability) will also be included as part of stage 1A and will be funded by Mackay Regional Council. - Stage 1B – Includes the library and various meeting, program and activity rooms, café, town square and landscaping, pedestrian links and internal roads. Design is funded by council; construction is not yet funded.
- Stage 2 – Future works that will include an aquatics centre and a kick and throw space adjoining the centre.
- Stage 3 – Future works that will include the development of the northern parcel of the site. At this stage, we envisage this area to be used for an office building with car parking.
Below: Peter Muller of CA Architects and Deputy Mayor Karen May discuss ideas with Northern Beaches Community Hub Reference Group members Mia Sammut-Landt of Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) and Scott McPherson of Ideal Placements.
