First sod turned for Queenscliffe Hub
Published on 02 April 2021
With major demolition work complete, new construction is about to commence on the Queenscliffe Hub following the turning of first sod on Thursday morning.
Victorian Minister for Training and Skills and Higher Education Gayle Tierney, Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson, and Member for Corangamite Libby Coker attended a ceremony alongside Borough Mayor Ross Ebbels to mark the end of demolition works and usher in new construction on the $5.75 million project.
Minister Tierney said she was proud to represent Member for Bellarine, Lisa Neville MP, who was unable to attend due to a period of leave. “I know that my colleague, Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville, is very passionate about this project and continues to follow progress on what will be a tremendous shared asset for the community,” Minister Tierney said. “We’re working hard to make sure Victoria’s regional communities have the infrastructure and services they need to create jobs and make our regional towns and cities even better places to live, work and invest – and this project is a key example of that commitment.”
Senator Henderson said that after such a long journey, she was delighted that construction was underway. “I am very proud to have worked with Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale residents and the local council to help realise this dream. Backed by $1.5 million from the Morrison Liberal Government, the Queenscliff Hub will be the most wonderful community asset. I want to particularly thank Garry Spry and everyone from the Queenscliffe Historical Museum for their tireless advocacy. The Queenscliffe Hub will include a state of the art home for the museum’s historical artefacts as well as a new library and visitor information centre under the one roof.”
The design for the Hub was produced following extensive community engagement, and will incorporate the existing heritage façade of the Library while providing state-of-the-art modern conveniences throughout its interior. Award-winning company Kerstin Thompson Architects completed the final design, which also includes facilities such as public seating, bike parking and a new bus shelter. Borough Mayor Ross Ebbels highlighted these features during the sod turning ceremony. “This building has been designed alongside input from the community and the three organisations that will occupy the final Hub. I’m excited to formally mark the beginning of construction work today, and I want to thank our partners from the Victorian and Australian Governments for joining us here today.”
More information about the project, including building plans and renderings, are available on Council’s website at queenscliffe.vic.gov.au/hub.