Noosa Council is close to issuing a contract of almost $2 million to Carfax Commercial Constructions Pty Ltd for the design and construction of the Peregian Beach Digital Hub expansion.
The proposed works include construction of a new building which includes a Co lab/Working Area, Storeroom and Flexible space.
In addition to the new building the project includes renovation of the existing community house and the creation of a Big Data Pod for presentation of fire technology and other emerging technologies, a content pod for video production, a meeting room and battery store.
Following construction by the main contractor, specialist fit out will occur which is proposed to include retractable seating in the Co Lab, extensive audio-visual functionality throughout, connectivity to external data capture systems and digital disaster simulation equipment.
The project will be funded by Council and Building Better Regions funding of about $660,000, Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (RDFA) from the 2019 Qld Bushfires Local Economic Recovery Program of about $1.96 million, a Black Summer Bush fire recovery grant of $256,000 for Firetech equipment and a Council Zero Emission Noosa contribution of over $200,000 for solar power and battery.
Digital Hub director Chris Boden told Council’s Services and Organisation committee meeting on Tuesday that it would be a multi-purpose facility.
Mr Boden said the hub had made the best use they could of their limited space for tenants as well as educational and conferencing activities but the expansion would deliver more opportunities to service the needs of the facility and to generate extra income with independent usage.
He said the expansion would provide space for a data lab for data visualisation with links to the Firetech project for collaboration on bushfire risk and use of new technology to build bushfire resilience.
With the increase in media professionals working from the Hub the new facilities would provide space to enable expanded media production capabilities, he said.
The construction is expected to be completed by late December this year or early 2023.
A final decision on the contract will be made at council’s ordinary meeting next Thursday.
