Council to explore other management options for new digital hub

Council will take its time finalising management arrangements for the new digital hub to make sure the project is a success.

Council has opted not to award a management contract for the Peregian Beach facility following the recent tender process.

That process has given Council a clearer picture of the market as well as the possible costs of outsourcing the running of this innovative facility. The tender responses suggested higher than expected costs. It therefore makes sense to analyse the business model more thoroughly and explore various management options.

Council wants the best possible outcome for this facility, which is a joint project of Council with the State Government and needs to do the right thing by residents, the local economy, and the generous $1M investment by the State Government.

Construction work on the state-of-the-art digital hub, a centrepiece of Council’s Rufous Street precinct, is on track, with the roof now in place.

Council expects the building will be ready to open by early 2018.

The digital hub will house high-tech infrastructure and services, as well as meeting rooms, shared work spaces, and a cafe. Once open, the digital hub will likely be home to IT businesses, while also serving as an incubator for new enterprises."

Following today's decision to halt the tender process, Council will tweak its business plan with the aim of finalising the management arrangements before Christmas.

Thank you to those who took the time to tender for the contract.