Cultural and Civic Space Project Update E-Newsletter
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TOP FAQs from Facebook and NSW Minister for Local Government response to petition
This week’s project update includes the last call for submissions on the development application on the NSW Government’s website, the most frequently asked questions from Facebook and the response from the Minister for Local Government on the tabled petition.
Development Application submissions
Formal submissions on Development Application for the Coffs Harbour Cultural and Civic Space are open until Wednesday 30 October. Submissions can be made on the NSW Government’s Major Projects portal, which is available here.
Heart of Coffs Facebook
Since its launch on 9 October 2019, we have had nearly 500 community members follow the project dedicated Facebook page. We have welcomed the questions on the page and thank the community for giving the project team the opportunity to provide more information and correct false information that been circulating. This page continues to be monitored and updated by the project team, with responses and additional information provided to questions.
NSW Minister for Local Government responds to tabling of petition by Gurmesh Singh MP in the NSW Parliament regarding the Cultural and Civic Space Project
On 16 September a petition was lodged requesting the intervention of the Minister for Local Government in the Coffs Harbour Cultural and Civic Space project, to direct the Council to undertake further community consultation. On 23 October the Council received a letter from the Minister addressing the petition and providing a response to the request.
You can read the official response from The Hon. Shelley Hancock MP here:
This week’s FAQs from Facebook
Why wasn’t the community consulted?
The council engaged the community for input on the following occasions. January to March 2018 - on three concepts and February to May 2019 - on preliminary schematic design. The reports from these consultation periods are available here. Information on this project has been communicated on our website, Council rates notices, our Facebook page, in project update newsletters as well as advertisements, posters, community events, digital screens and via extensive media coverage.
When were council offices incorporated into the Cultural and Civic Space project?
All of the three architect concepts presented to the community for feedback in 2018 incorporated council offices as a result of a Council resolution in 11 May 2017 where it was resolved to include the council offices. The concepts are available here: https://haveyoursay.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/cultural-and-civic-space/documents.
Why did the project estimate increase from $36 million to $76.5 million?
The 2016 figure of $36 million was an estimate based on the anticipated size of the Cultural and Civic Centre and was provided before formal design work was undertaken. The scope of the 2016 estimate included the Harry Bailey Memorial library, co-working space, Coffs Harbour Regional Gallery, Council customer service, Council offices and Council chamber.
In the period between the development of the 2016 estimate and Council’s resolution to adopt a $76.5 million budget on 11 June 2018 the project evolved significantly:
· The size of areas already in the scope was increased, and the Coffs Harbour Regional Museum was included in the scope;
· Three concepts for community input were developed, with various adaptations to the scope;
· Construction material and labour costs increased via CPI and other drivers between 2016 and 2018;
· An escalation allowance from 2018 to 2021 dollars was included (i.e. the annual cost escalation between the time at which the updated estimate was made in 2018 and when the project construction will be paid for across 2020 and 2021);
· Five per cent design contingency and 10 per cent construction contingency as a safety margin to cater for unforeseen issues;
· Over the last year, schematic design has been undertaken and the cost estimate updated accordingly by professional, registered quantity surveyors. The cost estimate remains within the $76.5 million budget.
To find more facts on the Cultural and Civic Centre Space project visit heartofcoffs.com.au.
