Nambour revitalisation held up as an example of excellence
A year on and the dust may be settling on the $6m Nambour town centre revitalisation, but having just taken out the Queensland Public Engineering design award in the $5m - $10m category, the shine is still there.
A year on and the dust may be settling on the $6m Nambour town centre revitalisation, but having just taken out the Queensland Public Engineering design award in the $5m - $10m category, the shine is still there.
Sunshine Coast Council’s Nambour’s Town Centre revitalisation, which involved the revamp of Lowe, Queen and Short streets, took out the award at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia, Queensland Division (IPWEAQ) awards last month.
IPWEAQ presents awards each year to encourage excellence in the innovation, development, completion and management of local government and public works projects.
Division 10 Councillor Paul Tatton said the Town Centre improvement project was part of the Nambour Hub of Hinterland program to reinvent and restore Nambour as the economic hub and heart of the hinterland.
“This award is confirmation that the Nambour project is a best practice example of sustainable design, incorporating lasting financial, social, cultural and environmental benefits for the community,” Cr Tatton said.
Executive Director of infrastructure services, Andrew Ryan said that placemaking was at the very heart of this project.
“Council employed a place management expert to guide design outcomes that would boost business, social interaction and cultural events.
“The goal was always to not just build an infrastructure project but to improve local business, market the town centre, assist youth training and encourage community involvement at all stages of the works program.
“The revitalisation project has certainly made the Town Centre an iconic meeting place and public venue; there’s more pedestrian space, new toilet facilities, reduced traffic speeds through parking and road changes and an improvement to the overall vista with overhead lines replaced by underground power.
“And as 60 trees mature across the project, natural shade will provide a cool microclimate for shoppers and visitors.
“What that all lends itself to is a better experience when visiting Nambour as well as the ability to host events such as the Moonlight Markets and professional music performances.
“The skills, knowledge and capabilities gained by council, design and construction partners through this project are being promoted to other councils and design companies throughout Australia.
“I’m proud of the community, the staff and everyone involved in such an all encompassing project,” Mr Ryan said