In releasing details, including a graphic design of the project, Mayor Mark Jamieson said the new facility would not only represent a landmark structure but also invoke a feeling of community pride, adding:
“Our City Hall will represent our people, our culture, our natural elements and our success as one of the fastest growing and most progressive regions in Australia and reflect our healthy, smart, creative vision.”
The Mayor said Cottee Parker, the project’s architects, had incorporated many local features into the building’s proposed design. He also stressed the city hall would play an important part in activating the new commercial core that was being developed within the city centre.
Among the key features of the design was to incorporate a way in which visitors and residents could see governance in action and be able to look straight into the chambers of council.
Mayor Jamieson described the proposed city hall as being made up of laneways featuring retail and dining opportunities, together with landscaped avenues that bridged the gap between Urban Square through to First Avenue.
According to Council CEO Michael Whittaker, the building would be located centrally within the core commercial precinct’s first stage of development.
Work is expected to begin in mid-2020 with occupation by an estimated 600 council employees projected by July 1, 2022.