An award winning project from Sunshine Coast Regional Council has made life is easier for shoppers and traders in the Nambour town centre. Nambour in South East Queensland, is 101 kilometres north of Brisbane and has a population close to 10,000.
More than a year down the track, the $6 million project is receiving many accolades. The project took out the Queensland Public Engineering design award in the $5 million to $10 million category at the 2010 Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia Queensland (IPWEAQ) Division awards.
Sunshine Coast Regional Councillor Paul Tatton said the town centre improvement project aimed to reinvent and restore Nambour as an economic hub. The project involved the revamp of Lowe, Queen and Short streets which form the central area.
Councillor Tatton said the award confirmed that the Nambour project was a fine example of sustainable design, bringing lasting financial, social, cultural and environmental benefits for the community.
Executive Director of Infrastructure Services Andrew Ryan said that place making was at the heart of the project.
"Council employed a place management expert to guide design outcomes that would boost business, social interaction and cultural events," he said."The goal was always to not just build an infrastructure project, but to improve local business, market the town centre, assist youth training and encourage community involvement at all stages of the works program. The revitalisation project has certainly made the town centre an iconic meeting place and public venue."
The development includes more pedestrian space and new toilets. Traffic speeds have been reduced through parking and road changes. The overall look of the area has also been improved with overhead lines replaced by underground power. As 60 recently planted trees grow, natural shade will provide a cool area for shoppers and visitors.
"The skills, knowledge and capabilities gained by Council, and its design and construction partners through this project are now being promoted to other councils and design companies throughout Australia," he said. "I’m proud of the community, the staff and everyone involved in such an all encompassing project."
For further information contact Andrew Ryan on (07) 5475 7272.
