Welcome

Welcome to the first edition of the Coffs Harbour Cultural and Civic Space project e-newsletter.

This newsletter is designed to provide updates and information to the Coffs community on the Cultural and Civic Space. Each edition will also feature some common FAQs as well as a project update.

The Cultural and Civic Space will incorporate the Coffs Harbour Regional Museum, Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery, Harry Bailey Memorial Library, family history group, multipurpose meeting rooms, co-working space, indoor and outdoor events spaces, shop, café, Council offices and Council chambers.

The Project has been planned and budgeted in a way that delivers the best facilities in the best location for Coffs Harbour residents and ratepayers now and into the future. The total project budget of $76.52 million is inclusive of all costs, including fit out.

Project Website and Facebook 

This week, Coffs Harbour City Council launched a specific project website and Facebook page to ensure the local community has easy access to all the information and facts on the Cultural and Civic Space.

You can access the website here – heartofcoffs.com.au

And the Facebook page here - @heartofcoffs

The website contains project updates and downloads, FAQs, project videos and a project timeline, while the Facebook page will be a fantastic resource for the local community to ask questions and gain factual information on the project.

Project Update

The most recent status of the Cultural and Civic Space project is:

• The project is procuring consultants for detailed design phase and construction;
• Coffs Harbour City Council are progressing with the sale of four council assets – Rigby House, the Castle Street administration building, Rose Avenue commercial offices and the Coffs Harbour Regional Museum;
• A condition of sale of these assets will be that Council leases back the sites until the new Cultural and Civic Centre Space is complete;
• The development application for 23-31 Gordon Street has been lodged with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment and a separate demolition DA has been lodged with Council.

To stay up to date with the project visit the Heart of Coffs website here.

Find the Facts

Q. What is the cost of the Cultural and Civic Space Project? 

A. The total project budget is $76.52 million and is inclusive of all costs for the 23-31 Gordon Street Site, including fit out.

Q. Did Council consult with the community on the Cultural and Civic Space Project?

A. Yes. Council has provided multiple engagement opportunities. Information on this project has been communicated on our website, within Council rates notices, via our Facebook page, in project update newsletters, via advertisements, on posters, at community events, on digital screens and within media coverage.

Q. How will the project be funded?

A. Funding will be sourced from council reserves, the sale of four council assets (Rigby House, Castle Street administration building, Rose Avenue commercial offices and the Coffs Harbour Regional Museum) and from a loan. Grant funding will also be sought, to reduce the loan requirements.

For more FAQs visit the Heart of Coffs website here.