The design of the proposed Centennial Place facility on the corner of Miles Street and Grace Street has been finalised.
The Mt Isa Council with the council’s next step to call for tenders to make it a reality.
In 2021, the Council engaged urban design and landscape architecture consultants Tract to provide two concept designs for Centennial Place. Both went out for public consultation and feedback, giving residents the opportunity to vote for their preferred concept design.
Two public consultation meetings were also held in November to provide locals with more information about the proposed project.
With about 140 votes, Concept A was the preferred design winning by two votes.
Given the slim margin of the vote result, Council’s project team decided to keep the overall design of Concept A – which included a large circular grassed area, concrete seating, container kitchens, covered café-style seating, a Centennial Walk covered area, shade trees, and toilet facilities – but include design elements of Concept B, to reach a final design that will appeal to as many people as possible.
The additional elements included an extra container kitchen, an extra separate lunch/dining area, more trees and arbours over the Centennial Walk entrances to provide more shade, and more seating.
“It should cost about $3.5 million in total to build, so as a Council we will look at external funding opportunities that may be available to us so that we can bring this exciting project to the community,” Mayor Danielle Slade said.
“This is an extremely exciting project, and I can’t wait to see it.
“The brief for this project was ‘as cool and shady as possible’, and this final design definitely hits that mark, with lots of covered areas and shade trees, and water misters and a water feature to keep people cool.”
Cr Slade said a number of funding opportunities have been identified, and Council would move forward with applying for funding before putting the project out for tender.
“The design for Centennial Walk is an homage to the 100-year history of the city of Mount Isa, with a total of 10 sections each highlighting a different decade, from the beginning right up to the present day,” she said.
“There are opportunities for an ‘Eat Street’ area, with a number of container kitchens, as well as pop-up stalls on the oval area.
“There’s also a secluded area where people can go and have lunch or coffee and meet up with friends.”
