A Bendigo-based builder has been announced as part of a joint venture responsible for the construction of the Bendigo GovHub, which is expected to commence in the coming months.
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East Bendigo's Fairbrother will pair up with one of Australia and New Zealand's largest construction providers, Icon, to deliver the much anticipated build, after being awarded a contract worth more than $90 million.
Early works are underway at the Lyttleton Terrace site, also undertaken by Fairbrother, with construction expected to commence in "the next few months", according to the state government.
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As part of its design, the Bendigo GovHub is set to feature Victoria's largest timber frame, along with efficient indoor air quality systems, solar panels and water and energy monitoring systems.
A civic courtyard on Lyttleton Terrace and a pocket park on Mundy Street will connect the GovHub to its surrounds and act as a community meeting point.
The building will also make reference to the region's Traditional Owners, with the project team working alongside the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation to include Indigenous design elements and language in the architecture, landscaping and spaces.
The Bendigo GovHub project, slated for completion by mid-2022, is forecast to inject more than $130 million into the local economy and generate more than 200 new jobs during construction.
Up to 1000 workers will call the new premises home, including staff from the City of Greater Bendigo, Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, Department of Transport and Parks Victoria, among others.
The state government said Icon's experience with large-scale commercial design and construction expertise will marry well with Fairbrother's local project experience.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas said the GovHub project will transform and revitalise Bendigo, while Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said the venture strengthens Bendigo as one of Victoria's fastest growing regional cities.
In May 2020, Bendigo council approved the sale of it's Lyttleton Terrace site to become a tenant in the constructed building, at a cost of $35.6 million over 40 years, despite state and federal Coalition MPs voicing their concerns about the project.
In July 2019, Nationals leader Peter Walsh launched a petition demanding more transparency about council's dealings with the state, while in April 2020, Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson said she was concerned about the lack of information and transparency provided to ratepayers.