Despite hold-ups due to wet weather, the new $7.85 million Technology & Information Resource Centre is slowly emerging in the middle of our Mackay Campus...

The signature building will house the new Mackay Campus Library [known as an 'Information Commons' to reflect provision of social and learning spaces as well as technology access), a café and other commercial tenancies. It will become a hub in the planned Knowledge Village.

Recent construction images

Delays from rainy weather in January and February set the construction back almost 6 weeks. Despite the slow start, contractors Abigroup are working hard to meet the planned September building deadline.

The first-floor slab was poured in early March on a foundation of pillars sunk deep into the bedrock.

Head of Campus Dr Trevor Davison said the open, adaptive and accessible facilities, including the cafeteria, wireless internet access and attractive environs, were designed to be a networking and social hub. 

"It will be a magnet for people participating in a range of educational institutions, research and development activities, business/industry alliances and community organizations," he said.

Dr Davison said the building and its outdoor paved and landscaped areas for eating and socializing would become a community-wide resource and public space. Provision has been made for future water features and an amphitheatre.

An artist's impression of the completed project

The new 2-storey building would also be a hub for student learning, with inclusion of flexible teaching spaces and amenities.

The upper floor will be comprised of the Library/Information Commons' collections of books, CDs, DVDs and musical scores, several group study rooms and computer labs, providing a large open space for e-learning and student interaction.  The ground floor will include the cafeteria and commercial offices.

Dr Davison said the building was designed in consultation with a wide range of current and potential stakeholders.