Project update #2: May 1, 2020

$6.5 million in Federal Government funding and land acquired

Mayor Greg Williamson said a site for the Northern Beaches Community Hub had been selected, with land purchases finalised in April 2020.

“We’ve purchased 3.7 hectares in the Rural View area, located between Mackay/Eimeo Road and Rosewood Drive,” Cr Williamson said.

“The land was purchased by council for $3.6M after a review of many options in the Northern Beaches area,” he said.

“Now that the land is finalised, we will continue the master planning of the site and then move into the concept design phase within the next six months.

“From concept design to finalisation of Stage One is likely to be between 24 and 30 months, and at this stage COVID-19 is not expected to have an impact on that time frame.”

Cr Williamson said while council was still working on the final scope of Stage One, the hub would likely contain community meeting spaces, library facilities and other services.

“Stage Two is likely to include some aquatic facilities and other services,” he said.

Stage One total costs estimates are yet to be finalised, but the Mayor said council was expecting it to be around $20M.

“We received $6.5M in funding from the Federal Government as an election commitment and will also be seeking State funding, with the balance to be covered by council.”