The Multiplex Sports and Convention Centre in Bundaberg is in line for national recognition at the IPWEA Australasia Awards for Excellence.
The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia awards are held every two years and will be presented in Hobart on 25-29 August 2019.
The Multiplex has been shortlisted in the award category for Best Public Works Project 2019 over $5 million.
The state-of-the-art $30 million facility previously took out both the Wide Bay and Queensland 2018 Master Builders Association community service facility awards, ahead of similar projects from across the state.
The IPWEA awards support public works engineering professionals to reach their full potential for the good of their communities. They recognise the dedication, commitment and talent that members bring to the field of public works engineering.
Bundaberg Regional Council planning and development portfolio spokesman Ross Sommerfeld said the Multiplex was designed to meet current and future needs of the Bundaberg Region.
“The Multiplex is a purpose-built facility that caters to community needs and unlocks opportunities for economic and community growth,” Cr Sommerfeld said.
“This precinct offers a multitude of sporting, social and cultural opportunities and houses the PCYC, providing a hub for the region’s youth to learn, play and grow.
“It is equipped to host major events and is positioned as the premier venue of the Bundaberg Region.”
Multiplex designated evacuation centre
Cr Sommerfeld said the unprecedented devastation caused as a result of Cyclone Oswald in 2013 highlighted the need for a central evacuation centre with appropriate facilities, a role which the Multiplex can fill.
“The Multiplex is a cornerstone project to cultivate livability throughout our region by strengthening community interaction and improved health outcomes while progressing Bundaberg’s response and resilience to future natural disasters,” he said.
The Multiplex won the Institute’s 2018 Queensland award for projects over $10 million.
“The visual effect of the various angles incorporated in the design ensures the structure does not appear commercial or industrial,” Cr Sommerfeld said.
“The design incorporates innovative energy, reducing features and water conservation measures.
“The Multiplex can be easily reconfigured to provide modern facilities to attract conferences, cultural shows and large-scale social events but remains relevant on a daily basis for smaller community activities.
“The design displays further innovation in its ability to be transformed into a scaleable evacuation centre for future natural disasters.
“Traditionally, these uses would have been provided by multiple buildings and to have a single, fit-for-purpose building to meet all of these community needs, shows innovation in design.”
Cr Sommerfeld said the Multiplex, which attracted State and Federal Government funding support, was designed with excellence in mind, particularly when it came to the conservation of water and reduction of energy.
“Rainwater is collected into underground rainwater vaults which are plumbed to the amenities on site as well as irrigation of the landscaped areas,” he said.
“Nearly 300 solar panels have been installed on the roof, with excess energy stored in a 100kva Tesla Powerpack.
“Fully expandable, this system currently services the centre’s electricity needs as well as two electric car charging points.
“In the event of a natural disaster or other emergency, the system will provide a renewable energy source to assist the backup generators.
“Solar tubes have been installed to provide natural light. Dimmers have been included in the solar tubes as a pilot project.
“This commitment to sustainability significantly reduces water and energy consumption.”
The Multiplex offers a multipurpose function and theatre facility with dance floor, dressing rooms and backstage facilities.
The 1500 square metre multi-purpose sports court and civil hall features a stage, scoreboard, projector and retractable theatre style seating for approximately 1000 guests, all of which is complemented with commercial kitchen and amenities.
Cr Sommerfeld said the venue had already enabled Bundaberg to host major events such as the recent Wide Bay Master Builders Awards and state netball championships.
“Hosting these events will be an economic driver for the region,” he said.
Local construction company Murchie Constructions built stage two of the project.
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