CONSTRUCTION of the new Hub complex near the Currie lighthouse is another step closer to starting.
Federal and State Government representatives, as well as key local stakeholders, will be invited to attend a breaking ground ceremony on site on Thursday, October 19.
“Details of the event are being refined and invitations are expected to be issued in early September,” the council reported in the August ordinary council meeting.
Victorian headquartered Evolve Commercial was selected as the preferred managing contractor for the King Island Hub project.
“They have operated on the island for the last four years and have an established King Island presence with a King Island-based site supervisor supported by resident and off-island trades and specialist contractors.
“Through the procurement process, this organisation demonstrated commitment to and a real passion for the project.
“The Hub project team is passionate about ensuring this new facility reflects the whole of King Island. This will be done not only in how the facility is managed and used, but also in how it is constructed.”
The central fireplace will feature rock from the Grassy Scheelite mine, the display cabinet that wraps around the verandah will hold artefacts from the island’s rich history and creative present, and statement pieces of furniture will be constructed from local materials, ideally by local artists.
Any community member who has a piece of King Island that could be used to showcase in this way is encouraged to contact the project team by emailing kicouncil@kingisland.tas.gov.au.
“We are particularly keen to get hold of local timbers, especially any timbers that may have washed free of the Naracoopa Jetty,” the council said.
The project team has been in discussion with HydroTas regarding electrical connection to the Lighthouse Street site.
The age of infrastructure along Lighthouse Street means it is not possible to simply add a connection for a new building. Discussion between HydroTas, JMG – the electrical engineer on the project – and council’s engineer is ongoing with a potential link from the Currie Harbour appearing to be the most efficient option at this time.
Since the approval of the development application in April 2023, the design team have identified some improvements to the construction of the new build, including separating the earth berm from the side of the building, reducing the structural load and creating another point of interest in a small bridge over the gap to the rooftop lookout.
This has been provided to the council’s planning office for consideration in advance of the design being finalised and a building permit sought.
The title for 38 Lighthouse Street also has a covenant attached to it which aims to protect development that would diminish the impact of the Currie Museum.
Conversations with key stakeholders are under way on the operations of the King Island Hub.
An MOU has been in place with KIRDO since 2021, but the current status of the project allows for more detailed commitments on how the space will be operated once construction is completed.
This process has also included conversation with representatives from the King Island Arts & Cultural Advisory Committee, volunteers and artists at the King Island Arts & Cultural Centre, King Island Tourism and King Island Chamber of Commerce.
As well as preparing a draft operating budget for the facility, consideration is being given to a first-year program for the site.
Opportunities discussed so far include an exhibition of art works by past King Island artists in residence and Australia Day celebrations, with multiple King Island businesses and Tasmanian organisations considering hiring the facility for a board meeting in 2025.
Community members are invited to share any suggestions for one off or regular events which could be hosted at the site by emailing kicouncil@kingisland.tas.gov.au.