Local firm wins $59.9m City Hall design and construction tender

Local construction company McNab has been named the preferred supplier to design and construct the $59.9 million Sunshine Coast City Hall at Maroochydore city centre.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said council officers had undertaken a robust procurement process overseen by a probity advisor to achieve the best quality build outcome and value-for-money for ratepayers.

“McNab — which has an office in Maroochydore employing more than 50 local staff — has a number of significant projects underway across the Sunshine Coast, many of which are of comparable size to the City Hall building,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“Council could not have asked for a better outcome – a firm with a strong history of engaging with local suppliers and offering a very competitive price that is well within council’s budget.”

City Hall will be built on the corner of First Avenue and South Sea Islander Way within the new Maroochydore city centre.

The SEQ Regional Plan 2017 identified Maroochydore as the Principal Activity Centre for the Sunshine Coast and the preferred location for government offices and service centres of regional significance.

“Establishing the City Hall in the Maroochydore city centre aligns with the intent of the SEQ Regional Plan,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“A new council administrative hub would also create strong, long-term community benefits.

“Construction of the City Hall, which will be the community’s seat of local democracy, will create local jobs and provide another catalyst for investment in the Maroochydore City Centre project.”

Mayor Jamieson said council had been working on the City Hall project for some time, so it would be exciting to see this healthy, smart, creative project move to its next phase.

The City Hall building will be a key feature in the vibrant city heart and will include retail and community spaces, as well as office accommodation for council staff.

The City Hall building guidelines endorsed by council are:

• Approximately 9400m² Gross Floor Area of building (circa 22,000m² gross building area)
• 10 levels and rooftop
• Approximately 156 car parking spaces (A further 112 car parking spaces will be provided by council off site)
• 5 star National Australian Built Environment Rating System rating target
• 5 star Green Star rating target
• Regional A grade commercial building
• Complementary commercial/retail uses

McNab Sunshine Coast Executive Carl Nancarrow said he was delighted his team had successfully secured the contract to deliver such a visionary project for the Sunshine Coast Council and one which delivered excellence in design.

“City Hall will be a landmark building for the region and we are very proud to deliver such an iconic piece of infrastructure on behalf of the residents of the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Nancarrow said.

“The project will provide a significant economic injection given our strong commitment to engaging local subcontractors and suppliers on all McNab projects,” Mr Nancarrow said.

“At peak times we will see up to 200 workers onsite so today’s (Dec 12) announcement is a great outcome not only for McNab, but for the local construction industry as a whole.”

Sunshine Coast Council CEO Michael Whittaker said City Hall would be centrally located within the first stage of the core commercial precinct of the Maroochydore city centre.

“It will be home to about 600 council employees and is part of a region-wide workplace strategy to service the community by providing the right people, delivering the right services at the right location,” Mr Whittaker said.

“Consistent with council’s previous decisions, council will retain staff and facilities at both Nambour and Caloundra.

“In addition to delivering an administration function, City Hall will also provide broader community activation opportunities through commercial spaces.”

Construction is expected to start in mid-2020, and City Hall will be occupied in the second half of 2022.