Moe community members have welcomed the appointment of an experienced building company to construct stage one of the Moe Rail Precinct Revitalisation Project.
Melbourne firm Building Engineering Pty Ltd won the tender for construction of stage one of the project, which includes the civic building and plaza works on the southern side of George Street.
Latrobe City Council acting chief executive John Mitchell said full-scale construction was set to begin in September and was due for completion towards the end of 2015.
“Building Engineering Pty Ltd is a highly respected building construction firm that has a proven track record of delivery of high quality institutional infrastructure around Victoria,” Mr Mitchell said.
Acting general recreation and community infrastructure manager Damian Blackford said the firm had been encouraged to use local contractors where possible – a regular part of Latrobe City’s tender process.
Moe Traders Association president Christine Waterhouse said she and others were “elated” the project had reached such an important milestone.
“It’s like Christmas in August. It’s been long-awaited and well-deserved,” Ms Waterhouse said.
“It will bring excitement and action back to the town.
“For there to be such a big project right in the central business district I’m sure there will be others who want to follow and do more things in the town.”
Committee for Moe president Manny Gelagotis said the community had fought hard for the precinct and the builder’s appointment confirmed the concrete nature of the project.
“First and foremost it means we’re heading in the right direction to start the project,” Mr Gelagotis said.
“People are sick of the talk, they want action.”
Mr Mitchell said the first sod would be turned during an official ceremony with Deputy Premier Peter Ryan and Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood in a few weeks.
The total cost of this stage of the project is $14.3 million, which has been jointly funded by the federal and state governments and Latrobe City Council.
