TODAY’S sod turning ceremony by the Administrator of the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, Tim Overall, signalled the beginning of construction of Googong’s new community hub.

The excavators are at work on the new shopping centre, community centre, child care centre, Googong’s first apartments and an all-important café/bar.

The Managing Director of Laing and Simmons Commercial, Alex Smith, said the North Village Centre development would also include a medical centre, six retail shops, a supermarket, gymnasium and 20 boutique 2 and 3 bedroom apartments.

“The entire project is due to be completed by late next year, and we expect this exciting development to form the heart of the growing Googong district”, Alex said.

“Laing+Simmons is managing the sales and leasing of the retail units, and the Independent Property Group is managing the residential unit sales.

“The centre’s close proximity to the Lovegrove Park children’s playground will provide all residents with the opportunity to meet their friends and neighbours, with plenty of parking and the convenience of so many essential facilities in one location.

“The first residential units in Googong have been designed to appeal to first home buyers and investors, an important element at a time when first home buyers are finding it really tough to enter the property market.

“We know that Googong residents have been crying out for these facilities. Googong Projects, in partnership with Canberra’s IQON as developer and builder, have responded with outstanding, sympathetic designs and a definitive time line for completion of the project.

“With a strong history of developments in the health, education, commercial cultural and community and residential sectors behind it, IQON is a local company with an understanding of the needs of the local community.”