The development application for the $57 million Shellharbour City Hub project will be placed on public exhibition next Thursday, with submissions invited until July 2.
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Shellharbour City Council on Friday released new images of the controversial multi-purpose community and civic facility, which will be located at the corner of College and Cygnet avenues in Shellharbour City Centre.
The development includes a city library and museum, civic square, auditorium, community and sessional meeting rooms, cafe, council chambers and new staff administration centre.
The lodging of the application comes as the number of signatures on The Stop The Hub community group’s petition passes the 8000 mark and before a community meeting to be held in Albion Park on Saturday organised by Cr Kellie Marsh.
Cr Peter Moran, who will attend the meeting, said 8000 signatures was a significant number, considering the number of voters in Shellharbour City.
Shellharbour council general manager Michael Willis confirmed he would attend the meeting as an observer, but said he would be happy to provide answers to questions that needed answering on the day.
Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba said the design of the proposed hub had changed significantly since it was last exhibited to the community and the changes were based on the feedback received and other elements – including cost.
The civic square at the front of the complex has been increased to 2000 square metres and includes green space and water features.
It will cater for community events including concerts and market stalls.
The community lobby area is also larger, and can be opened up onto the civic square, while the 350-seat auditorium is now more centralised in the building and provides views over the green corridor.
The library now has direct access from the civic square, and its shape has been changed to ensure it takes advantage of the building’s views, with the museum and cafe now integrated into the library, ‘‘providing a focal point for community interaction’’.
The design includes a designated bus stop on College Avenue and bus drop-off points on Cygnet Avenue.
Subject to the outcome of the development application, the council will consider awarding a fixed-price tender for construction of the facility in October.
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