Building demolished to make way for city centre revamp

A vacant building on the corner of Main Street and Torquay Road in Pialba is being demolished ahead of the installation of underground power and the construction of the new Hervey Bay Library and Fraser Coast Regional Council Administration Centre.

Deputy Mayor 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.

“The new development in the Hervey Bay City Centre will feature a public plaza, a larger library over two levels, a Council Administration Centre incorporating a Disaster Resilience Centre and flexible community spaces that can be booked day and night,” he said.

“This project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the Hervey Bay City Centre, to create jobs and drive economic growth and investment.

“Detailed design of the new Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre is underway now, and work on undergrounding power near where the new building will be is due to start later this month.

“Before that can happen, the vacant building that Council owns on the corner of Main Street and Torquay Road must be demolished. That work has started this week and is expected to be finished in the coming days.

“The work to underground power is expected to be completed by November, weather and construction conditions permitting.

“There will be traffic management in place while the works are underway to underground power, including a full closure of Torquay Road from the Torquay Road roundabout west while trenching works are completed.

“Council will be working with Ergon to ensure businesses in the area have continued power supply while the process to underground power is underway.

“We thank businesses and residents in advance for their patience while this important work occurs.”

Cr David Lewis said more than three-quarters of the new city centre development would be community space.

“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 socialise and benefit from centralised Council services,” he said.

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

The Hervey Bay Library and Council Administration Centre (incorporating a Disaster Resilience Centre) is a commitment under the Hinkler Regional Deal, with funding of $40 million allocated from the Australian Government.

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