About the project
The Proserpine Administration and Local Disaster Coordination Centre combines the Regional Council Administration, the Local Disaster Co-ordination Centre and the Climate Change Innovation Hub into a consolidated site located centrally in Proserpine, on the central Queensland Coast.
The building balances a desire for openness and transparency, with the need to secure the building in the event of a cyclone enabling it to continue to operate at the co-ordination centre.
A screened glass façade site beyond a welcoming civic verandah, which leads into a generous civic lounge room where council activities and the information centre enable an active and engaging “shop front” to the street.
Awards
2022 AIA Regional Awards North Queensland — Walter and Oliver Tunbridge Building of the Year North Queensland
2022 AIA Regional Awards North Queensland — Commendation
2022 AIA Regional Awards North Queensland Walter and Oliver Tunbridge Building of the Year North Queensland Citation
“The new Proserpine Administration and Local Disaster Coordination Centre reflects Prossie’s local aesthetic through intuitive design that also addresses the cyclonic impacts that destroyed the previous facility. Conrad Gargett’s informed local knowledge and understanding of the community, industry and region is evident, and shines in the civic-minded solutions demonstrated in this building. The open-air gallery extending across the front of the building reflects traditional Queensland verandahs and transitions movement from the street, opening to a full-height foyer and administrative spaces. The building is an interface between Council services and the public while also providing visitor information, outdoor seating, and indoor meeting space available to the public. Conrad Gargett have used durable materials in ways that maintain transparency and connection to the public. The building houses the Whitsunday Regional Council offices and the Local Disaster Coordination Centre while the middle provides building services and back-of-house areas. Additional workspaces and Council Chambers are placed either side of outside edges, providing natural light and pedestrian connection. Design has ensured local building skills utilisation and employment. The Centre has provided the community with a landmark building along with a place for administration and coordination, which will serve the community into the future.”
