The state government’s $25 million Latrobe Valley GovHub will have a strong local flavour after Premier Daniel Andrews on Friday declared 75 per cent local content would be used in the development of the project.
During a visit to the region, Mr Andrews announced the GovHub would be located at 65 Church Street, Morwell at the site of Anglicare’s former offices.
Work on the project, which was announced in the 2017 state budget, will begin this year and be completed by 2020.
When completed, the site will house 150 public sector employees including workers from Earth Resources Regulation which will establish a new head office in the region, as well as Parks Victoria and the Environment Protection Authority.
“This is a $25 million investment – 150 Victorian public sector jobs, half of which will be brand new, so they are directly relevant to local residents being able to apply for those jobs and get those jobs,” Mr Andrews said.
“There will be another 75 jobs that will be [from] government agencies and others who will relocate, bringing all the economic boost that comes with new families moving into the region.”
The GovHub will have the capacity to host up to 300 government workers.
Melbourne-based firm Castlerock Property has been appointed to develop the project which will create up to 100 construction jobs.
The company has strong ties to the region with its owners growing up and going to school in the Latrobe Valley.
“There will be 75 per cent local content in terms of building that GovHub, all those flow-ons in direct employment, in construction jobs and the supply chain will be local,” the Premier said.
Concept designs of the GovHub show the government is planning a modern, imposing structure for a part of Morwell’s commercial district which has struggled to recover from the effects of the privatisation of the power industry.
Castlerock Property director Adam Bronts said the building would provide a “strong anchor” for Church Street and the redevelopment of the whole area.
“It’s going to be a great catalyst for growth and future investment,” Mr Bronts said.
“With 300 new people coming to Church Street, we think it’s going to be a great opportunity for that area to grow.”
