The former decommissioned Tewantin TAFE campus will be given a new lease of life with plans for a Sunshine Coast School of Design to be built on the campus.
Renowned architects NRA Collaborative is selected as the preferred proponent.
NRA Collaborative has proposed to re-use the buildings to develop a new Sunshine Coast School of Design featuring educational facilities to service between 500 to 800 students annually, offering creative industry courses such as fashion, art, industrial design, architecture and interior design.
NRA Collaborative has also proposed to undertake further consultation with the support of a local steering committee on future initiatives, which may include a theatre, creative art space for the community, and a research facility to support the local koala population.
The site represents a significant part of the Tewantin community and its reactivation for the benefit of the residents in the Noosa region has been a key priority for the Queensland Government.
The State Government also respects the recent determination for the Kabi Kabi people which covers areas of Tewantin. The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (DESBT) will work with NRA Collaborative to ensure a positive outcome for all.
Premier Steven Miles said, “The Tewantin TAFE was once a source of pride for the Noosa communities, and I am confident that NRA Collaborative’s plans for the site will restore this facility to its former glory and provide immense benefits to these communities.”
“The development of training infrastructure and creative spaces will support Queensland’s growing workforce, boost the local economy and provide and social benefits to the community.
“A Sunshine Coast School of Design will usher-in a new wave of creativity and design excellence – which will put more local people into high-value jobs.”
Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton said, “This site is a vital asset to our community, and as I have reported many times after it was closed by the LNP government in 2014 without community consultation, it needs to serve our community again.”
“It has been a long journey, and I thank the Queensland Government, residents and all who have waited whilst the challenges encountered along the way have been worked through and look forward to a future that will benefit our community.
“Over the coming months we look forward to engaging with the NRA Collaborative on their plans for the Sunshine Coast School of Design, and the opportunities that this site in the allowable footprint can provide to address the needs of Noosa.”
Noel Robinson from NRA Collaborative said, “NRA Collaborative is pleased to have been awarded this site through a long and extensive public tender process.”
“We are cognisant of the importance of this significant infill land parcel located within the urban footprint of Tewantin and adjacent to the Noosa Golf Club.
“Our proposal submitted in 2021 incorporated restoration of the award-winning buildings by the Gold Medal architect Don Watson, developing a centre around the Creative Industries sector of the economy as well as developing a Sunshine Coast School of Design with associated studios, learning facilities and student residential accommodation.
“We are now able to undertake design development work and to engage with approving authorities, planning and other consultants and potential end users.”
