A national search to find an architect and design team for the Civic Hall redevelopment has been narrowed down to three companies.
The three companies are: Lyons, Spowers and BVN Architecture.
All have been shortlisted following an Expression of Interest process which closed on Wednesday 2 February, 2011. The three firms have until Friday 13 May, 2011 to submit their comprehensive tenders.
These tenders will be informed by the comprehensive Request For Tender documentation which identifies themes and concepts that council is seeking to have represented in the eventual design.
Ballarat Mayor, Cr Craig Fletcher said Council was impressed and excited by the calibre of the EOI submissions.
"At the end of the next stage there will be three very clear design concepts for Council to choose from. The community will be in a good position to understand exactly what is proposed to be constructed on the site.
"When we commenced the national search, we were determined to find the very best architectural teams in Australia. We have achieved just that with interest from Australia's leading architect and design teams.
"As part of the next stage, the shortlisted architects will now be asked to take part in a design competition to fully develop their ideas for the site."
The requirements that each company's Developed Concept Design must achieve are:
- Requirement 1: The design must showcase outstanding architectural design and techniques.
- Requirement 2: The proposed design must facilitate development on the balance of the Civic Hall site that is commercially viable.
- Requirement 3: The local cultural and social significance of the Civic Hall must be addressed.
- Requirement 4: The design must deliver Council's office accommodation needs, together with associated car parking and public realm improvements, within the nominated budget.
- Requirement 5: The design must accommodate Council's office accommodation needs in a cost effective manner, whilst providing for future flexibility / changes in functional planning as may be required.
Background on shortlisted architects:
Lyons is one of Australia's leading, and largest, architectural and design firms specialising in the design of major public building and commercial offices around Australia.
Past and current projects include: Hume City Council offices, Australian Institute of Architects Headquarters (Melbourne), BHP global headquarters (Melbourne), University of Melbourne Neuroscience Facility (Melbourne), Business Incubator Centre, University of Ballarat and the Marine Research Institute, Queenscliff Centre.
Spowers is one of three architectural practices in Australia to achieve an Environmental Management Rating from NCS International. Spowers past and current projects include: Nillumbik Shire Council, Metropolitan Fire Brigade (Richmond), Marysville Community Hub, 60L Carlton Australia, 567 Collins Street, Q2 Building Melbourne and the Box Hill Institute.
BVN Architecture is a national practice with over 80 years experience and is regarded as one of Australia's most significant architectural practises. Past and current projects include: Bayside City Council Corporate Centre (Sandringham), Latrobe City Corporate Headquarters (Morwell), Ballarat Learning Exchange.