Tuesday, 30 July 2019

Final designs for the Andrews Labor Government’s Latrobe Valley GovHub are now available, as local businesses and contractors get up to speed on the local work opportunities on the construction of the new facility.

Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes today released the artist impressions of the $30 million GovHub, a purpose-built regional employment hub that will be home to 300 workers – including 200 new local public sector jobs – when it opens in late 2020.

The WMK Architecture design has incorporated the Latrobe Valley’s industrial history with the building’s roof taking cues from the bucket wheel dredges that have been a feature of the region for generations.

Located on the corner of Church and Fleming streets in Morwell, the GovHub will feature modern office spaces, shared meeting rooms, a community hub, business incubator zones, an exhibition space and a locally-run café.

The community had an opportunity to share their ideas for the GovHub in December 2018 at a consultation session, emphasising the need to celebrate Morwell’s rich history and industrial identity.

The facility will be one of the most energy efficient buildings in the Valley, using the latest technology in modern workplace infrastructure.

The GovHub will deliver an annual $15 million boost to the local economy and is on track to reach job targets with Parks Victoria, Earth Resources Regulation and Solar Victoria confirmed as tenants.

The project is expected to create 100 jobs during construction, with more than 75 per cent of building materials and services sourced locally from Morwell and the Latrobe Valley.

Almost 200 contractors have registered for today’s Industry Capability Network information session – highlighting significant local interest in the project.

The Labor Government’s investment in the GovHub is part of the $266 million Latrobe Valley transition package, boosting local jobs and encouraging the decentralisation of roles and services from Melbourne to the Valley.

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes

“It’s exciting to see the Latrobe Valley GovHub taking shape – with the design celebrating the region’s rich history, it will be a facility the whole community can be proud of.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“Today’s information session is a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to discover the work opportunities available on the GovHub’s construction – with 100 jobs in construction, I’d encourage all contractors in the Valley to get involved.”

Quote attributable to Castlerock Property

“The Latrobe Valley GovHub is an opportunity to create a building with character that truly belongs to Morwell, and with the design work now complete we’re looking forward to working with as many local contractors as possible to make the GovHub a reality.”