Construction of City of Greater Geelong’s new civic precinct, Wurriki Nyal, has been completed, with the first of the City’s teams set to relocate to the Mercer St headquarters later this month.
Wurriki Nyal – “speak and talk together” in Wadawurrung language – will house all Greater Geelong employees from September on.
The 2,550 square metre site features a new Customer Service Centre, office space for 900 City employees, permanent art installations by Wadawurrung artists, and has been designed to by one of the most sustainable local government buildings in Australia.
Council reported that the development had been delivered within budget, the $102.5m project injecting more than $39m directly into the G21 region and employing 468 local workers.
Greater Geelong Mayor Peter Murrihy said the city was proud to have delivered on the aspirations of the community following extensive public consultation.
“Wurriki Nyal will allow the City to best serve the community for decades to come,” Mayor Murrihy said.
“The building is an exciting, long-term commitment to central Geelong, and shows our confidence in the continued growth of the CBD as a commercial and cultural precinct.
“Its sustainable features will deliver compounding savings on energy costs and rental costs year after year, while offering a central location for customer service and support.”
Quintessential Equity Executive Chairman Shane Quinn said he was thrilled to achieve completion on the innovative project.
“The precinct accommodates for the rapid growth of Geelong in recent years, providing local workers with access to a highly designed and sustainable office spaces, as well as café and retail facilities for all to enjoy,” Mr Quinn said.
“The project has and will continue to provide strong support to the local economy, with more local jobs created through construction and a commitment to local manufacturing.”
Wurriki Nyal has received a six-star Green Star Design Rating for its sustainability standards, with the building using mass engineered timber, a low-emissions alternative to steel and concrete, and featuring a 140 Kw solar array on the roof.
Cox Architecture Director Andrew Tucker, representing the company responsible for the design of the development, said the sustainability of the precinct set it apart from other such projects.
“The new office features sustainable timber design and natural materials, providing a stunning, light-filled, and healthy workspace.
“The Civic Precinct is set to enrich the natural and built environment of Geelong, further validating Geelong’s UNESCO City of Design designation, while honouring the city’s industrial heritage.”
