Preferred designer named for Flinders St Redevelopment

Date: Tuesday, 28th July 2009

Preparations for the Flinders St redevelopment have stepped right up with the naming of the preferred designer for the landmark project.

A joint bid from Cox Rayner Architects and Planners and the local offices of AECOM Townsville (formerly Maunsell) has secured preferred contractor status after winning the tender assessment process from five other submissions.

Townsville City Council announced the decision today after the tender evaluation panel unanimously recommended the Cox Rayner/AECOM bid be accepted subject to final negotiations.

Mayor Cr Les Tyrell said the awarding of the contract for the final design and working plans was the last essential step before the calling of tenders for construction.

“This is the final phase of planning before the workers and the machinery can finally move in and start the work,” Cr Tyrell said.

“The conceptual designs are in place, the funding agreements are locked in, and it’s now time to get on with the job of delivering the project.

“Today’s decision gives the council the green light to finalise an agreement with the preferred tenderer for the extremely important work of developing the detailed designs and documentation for the redevelopment.

“The designers will also work closely with the council to achieve our key objectives of minimising impacts on property owners and traders, maximising opportunities for local companies, and achieving a first class development.”

To keep the momentum going the council also expects to be in a position in coming weeks to call for expressions of interest from construction firms to shortlist companies for the tendering process and further save time.

The Cox Rayner/AECOM proposal will be almost 70% locally based. Cox Rayner have considerable knowledge of the Flinders St redevelopment having managed the development of concept designs last year and plan to open a local office.

AECOM Townsville, formerly known as Maunsell, has a large highly skilled local workforce and brings to the project extensive expertise in engineering and project design. The joint proposal will also employ local sub-contractors for various design elements of the project including landscaping, heritage, arbour culture and irrigation.

Concept plans for the redevelopment feature wide footpaths and tree-lined streetscape, a large public plaza area, two-way slow moving traffic and improved public transport facilities.

The council expects construction to begin in November.