Bass Coast Shire Council will consider a report to award the tender for the construction of the Cowes Culture and Community Centre at Wednesday’s (20 October) Council Meeting.

This $27.2 million project has been boosted by funding from both the State and Federal governments, with the Federal Government recently allocating $5 million through its Building Better Regions Fund.

If the tender is approved, the construction of the Centre is anticipated to begin in November this year, following further demolition works. The build is expected to be completed by February 2023.

Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari said that he acknowledged the value of community feedback on this project, which is now reflected in the refined concept designs from June this year.

“We heard how community members really want to use this space, so based on that feedback, the design was changed and the footprint of the Centre increased,” Cr Tessari said.

“We have successfully advocated for this project over the past three years, resulting in substantial funding from both levels of Government, which is a really incredible achievement.”

Once built the facility will become home to a library, museum, 250 seat theatre/cinema, function/meeting rooms, Council’s Visitor Information and Customer Service Centre, a café and box office, an art gallery, office space and the Genealogy and Historical Society.

“This building will be a drawcard for not only residents but for the tourism industry and visitors from far and wide, showcasing the history, culture and talent in the region,” Cr Tessari said.

Jackson Clements Burrows Architects designed the new centre, considering world-leading, sustainability principles and ensured it aligned with Council’s Climate Change Action Plan 2020-30.

“The architects have created a building that not only looks good, but will be good to the planet. Because of its design, it is estimated there will be a 60 to 70 percent reduction in operational energy requirements over its lifetime, in turn, reducing our operating costs,” Cr Tessari said.

“By integrating sustainable design principles into this building, we will also reduce our CO₂ emissions by about 150 tonnes each year,” Cr Tessari concluded.

During construction, the Centre will generate 69 jobs and 30 ongoing jobs once built, as well as $51.8 million in economic benefit over the life of the project.

For more information on this project visit www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/cowesccc.