GROUND has been broken for Queanbeyan’s $74 million civic and cultural precinct.

Sod-turning and a smoking ceremony by local elder, Dr Aunty Matilda House, was held this morning (July 28) to officially kick off the construction phase of the project.

The new civic and cultural centre, to be located on the site of the former council administration building on Crawford Street, is a key part of council’s CBD transformation strategy.

The development will include a new head office for council staff, the Queanbeyan library, a NSW government office and commercial office space available to lease.

Community spaces and a public domain will also be constructed.

Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) Mayor Tim Overall said today’s sod turn marks a special milestone in the city’s transformation.

“This new precinct will provide linkages to The Q and the Bicentennial Hall and draw together a new library, public domain for civic events, conference meeting rooms and facilities, as well as create new basement car parking and provide a new head office for council staff,” he said.

“It is the catalyst that allows us to get on with the transformation of the CBD by freeing up council-owned properties for possible future development.

“It is a key project in bringing more people and vitality to the heart of Queanbeyan.”

Fencing will be installed throughout late July and early August to secure the construction site and make it safe for demolition and significant excavation to commence.

The construction site extends from the vacant block at 257 Crawford Street, beside the Queanbeyan Council Chambers, into the Lowe Car Park. When the site is fully fenced, the parking spaces in the Lowe Car Park closest to the Queanbeyan Library will become unavailable. The lane to the car park from Rutledge Street, beside the library, will also be closed.

While some parking spaces will be lost during the construction period, and temporary pedestrian access put in place, the project will deliver an increase of more than 60 parking spaces in the area.

Throughout the construction, several rows of parking will remain available in the Lowe Car Park closest to Monaro Street. Access to these spaces will be via Lowe Street. Council will be encouraging its own staff, and staff of nearby business premises, to make use of all-day parking at Queanbeyan Showground or Collett Car Park (near the bus interchange) during the construction period to help free up short stay parking for customers of nearby businesses

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