A new $7.85 million Technology and Information Resources building due to begin construction is designed to be the vibrant and beating heart of CQUniversity Mackay's innovative Knowledge Village.

State and Federal MPs Tim Mulherin and James Bidgood this morning (Nov 20) shared the sod-turning duties, using silver shovels to kick off the construction phase in the presence of University and community representatives.

An artist's impression of the new building

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.

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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.

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

Professor John Rickard, Professor Jennelle Kyd, MP Tim Mulherin, campus Library Manager Pauline McNee, MP James Bidgood, Dr Trevor Davison and Chancellor Rennie Fritschy at the sod-turningThe upper floor will be comprised of the Library's collections of books, CDs, DVDs and musical scores, several group study rooms, a computer lab and the Information Commons, 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.

"This partnership with government demonstrates the University's mission to make our services more relevant and accessible to all people, while enabling closer relationships between students, educators, trainers, industry groups and employers in particular," he said.

"CQUniversity Mackay is growing as a community-wide resource and the community's cooperation and partnership in this project makes this space distinctive."

CQUniversity's financial input has been extended by a federal capital development grant of $2.122 million, with additional funding for the Information Commons of almost $500,000.

The principal architects are NBRS Architects of Brisbane and construction has been awarded to Abigroup, which is currently preparing the site.

The building is expected to be ready for occupation in October 2009.