Mon, 04 Apr 2022 - 10:51
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Townsville concert hall business case tender awarded

A tender to develop a detailed business case for a concert hall in Townsville has been awarded to Aecom.

 

The Concert Hall business case project is a key part of the 15-year Townsville City Deal – a joint agreement between the Australian and Queensland Governments, and Townsville City Council.

 

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said this milestone highlights the Morrison Government’s continued commitment to delivering critical infrastructure for the people of Townsville.

 

“Pending the outcome of the business case, $98 million in Commonwealth funding is on the table for the construction of a state-of-the-art concert hall in Townsville,” Minister Fletcher said.

 

“Our Government remains focused on delivering targeted investment in projects that will strengthen the local economy and ensure the city is positioned as a liveable, innovative and vibrant destination in Northern Australia.”

 

Queensland Deputy Premier, the Hon Steven Miles MP, said he welcomes the progression of the business case for the Concert Hall.

 

“Through the City Deal, we are investing to support the development of community infrastructure that will help revitalise the city, enhance liveability and support the growth of industry and enterprise,” Mr Miles said.

 

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the Concert Hall would enhance Townsville and North Queensland reputation as a cultural hub.

 

“Townsville is already home to the Australian Festival of Chamber Music and other world-class cultural events and this project will enable the city to keep attracting and growing similar events”.

 

Federal Member for Herbert, Phil Thompson MP, said the Australian Government is fully funding the business case, which will be overseen jointly by the Australian and Queensland governments and Townsville City Council.

 

“Although the Federal Government funding is for a Concert Hall, the business case will also look at future planning for additional stages that could form part of a larger precinct. This project needs to be driven by the community, so I want to encourage anyone with an interest to provide feedback via the consultation process.” Mr Thompson said.

 

Queensland Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said he looked forward to seeing the outcomes of the business case.

 

“A concert hall in Townsville could provide a boost to local entertainment, while creating jobs and stimulating economic growth, just as we’ve seen with our Queensland Country Bank Stadium” Mr Stewart said.

 

Aecom is also working with AEC Group and Blight Rayner to deliver the package of work.  Interested stakeholders can register their interest for information for the public consultation activity and on the project at: https://tch.aecgroupltd.com.

 

The business case is expected to be completed later this year and the outcome considered by the Government by the end of the year.

 

For more information on the Townsville City Deal, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities/city-deals/townsville.