New images of a $110 million building proposed for central Geelong have emerged ahead of the finalisation of tenders for a new office to house two government agencies.
Geelong’s Techne Development believes it has an “exciting vision” to house the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) and Department of Human Services (DHS).
The building would incorporate the disused Carlton Hotel in a nine-level building with 166 spaces of underground parking.
“We’re sitting in the bullseye in terms of location,” Techne’s Scott Vickers-Willis said.
“Both WorkSafe and NDIA wanted to be as close to the Traffic Accident Commission (TAC) as possible, effectively creating an insurance precinct of excellence,” he says.
“With the Carlton project sitting directly between the TAC and the future Worksafe headquarters, we are uniquely placed to literally be in the best position possible.
“One of the key issues around disability is access. The Carlton’s location couldn’t be any more central to the key agencies, service providers and transport nodes and on top of all of that, our proposal offers an exciting and contemporary design purpose-built to meet the access requirements of people with a disability, their families and carers.”
The Techne building would have smartphone wayfinding apps, charging stations for mobility equipment, wi-fi and bluetooth smart door-locking systems and customisable lighting.
Other features would include multiple outdoor recreation spaces with bay views and designated spaces for workers, clients and visitors with assistance animals.
Mr Vickers-Willis talked up the company’s local connections.
“We’re proudly local and believe that the new headquarters of the NDIA is about more than just building another building. We see it as a symbol of how the Australian community believes it should work with those of us living with a disability, and that’s important.
“But this isn’t about being parochial. Regardless of our postcode, we believe we’ve created the best solution for the NDIA’s future headquarters and a building Geelong can be proud of.”
The project would create hundreds of jobs during construction and an ongoing annual benefit fo $90 million for Geelong’s economy, Mr Vickers-Willis said.
“We’re excited by the project and believe we have well and truly exceeded the brief in an exceptional location. We look forward to the opportunity to deliver an outstanding addition to Geelong’s skyline.”
Mr Vickers-Willis expected the government to complete the tender process “in coming months”.
