The Andrews Labor Government is creating hundreds more jobs in the Bendigo region with a head contractor chosen to construct the city's GovHub project.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today announced the Icon Fairbrother joint venture had been appointed to deliver the project, which has a construction value of more than $90 million.
Early works on the project are now underway, with the main construction to start in the next few months.
The joint venture between Bendigo-based builder Fairbrother and one of Australia and New Zealand's largest construction providers, Icon, marries local project experience and trade relationships with large-scale commercial design and construction expertise.
Icon Fairbrother will work closely with Lyons Architects and Arup Engineering to design and build the multi-use development set to transform the heart of Bendigo.
The project is forecast to inject more than $130 million into the local economy and generate more than 200 new local jobs during construction. Up to 1,000 Victorian Government and City of Greater Bendigo workers will be accommodated in the building.
Early estimates suggested 100 new jobs would be created during the project's construction, however the head contractor has indicated this number would be closer to 200 due to the project's scale.
Reference to the region's Traditional Owners will feature as part of the building, with the project team working alongside the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation to include Indigenous design elements and language in the architecture, landscaping and spaces. The building will also give a nod to Bendigo's heritage.
A major environmentally sustainable design feature is Victoria's largest timber frame, along with efficient indoor air quality systems, solar panels, water and energy monitoring systems. A civic forecourt on Lyttleton Terrace and a pocket park on Mundy Street will connect the GovHub to its surrounds and act as a community meeting point.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
"The GovHub is a really exciting project that will transform and revitalise Bendigo and is just one of a range of projects we're building to make regional cities an even better place to live and work."
As stated by Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan
"We're delivering local jobs right across Victoria - the Bendigo GovHub will strengthen Bendigo's position as one of our fastest-growing regional cities, delivering hundreds of public sector jobs and vital government services."
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"It's a great day for local jobs with the appointment of Icon Fairbrother and its commitment to Indigenous employment which brings to life the Victorian Government's Local Jobs First Policy for regional Victoria."
