By Matthew Sims
Maribyrnong council has approved a contract for the construction of the construction of the Maribyrnong Civic Precinct and Community Hub project topping $39 million.
During its meeting on Tuesday, September 13, councillors passed a motion to award a contract for the construction of the Maribyrnong Civic Precinct and Community Hub project to Ireland Brown Constructions for the total contract sum of $39,126,941.
Maribyrnong mayor Anthony Tran said the space would become a place that the community would enjoy into the future.
“It’s great to see the next steps of the new Civic Precinct and Community Hub – the home of Maribyrnong City Council – come to life with the award of the construction contract,” he said.
“Works will take place over the coming years and once complete, will provide a modern, environmentally friendly space that pays homage to the rich history of the site and wider city.”
The works would involve the demolition of the single-level Community Well-Being building and three-storey office building, including detachment of the office building from the historic town hall and the construction of a new two-storey and six-star Green Star accredited office building and civic park, as well as refurbishment and conservation works to the heritage-listed Footscray Town Hall.
Maribyrnong councillor Michael Clarke said the investment in the facilities was a “momentous” commitment to the community.
“We are making history here this evening,” he said.
“What we’re looking to is a building that will once again welcome…the community back to this place once construction has been completed.”
Maribyrnong deputy mayor Sarah Carter said the priority of the hub would be to make it a space for the community to feel welcome.
“To keep and attract the best staff, we need to have a workplace that is fit for purpose and quite frankly, now it’s not,” she said.
“There has been enormous rigour put into the consideration of this project.”
