First Steps for Transformation of Site Into Centennial Place

Council has got the ball rolling on the potential development of the former Harvey Norman site in the Mount Isa CBD, with consultants engaged to develop two concept designs for a multi-use community space, to be known as Centennial Place.

Urban design and landscape architecture consultants Tract have started the process of developing the concept designs, with three company representatives visiting Mount Isa earlier this month to conduct initial key stakeholder engagement and information gathering, as well as in-person site inspections.

Stakeholders – including local business representatives, Councillors and members of the Mount Isa 100 Years Committee – were invited to attend information sessions or a workshop on September 15 and 16.

Tract will take on board the suggestions, ideas and information provided by stakeholders at the sessions and put together two concept plans, which will be presented to Mount Isa residents for community consultation and further feedback later next month.

The community’s preferred design and final plans will then go to Council for adoption before further steps are taken.

Mount Isa Mayor Danielle Slade said Council proposes to construct Centennial Place – a community focal point to be located on the corner of Miles Street and Grace Street in the CBD – with the intention of completing the project in time for the city’s centenary celebrations in 2023.

“Tract have a proven track record of some extraordinary and iconic urban design projects across South-East Queensland and interstate, so we are confident they will come back to us with impressive concept designs,” Cr Slade said.

“The urban design process provides an exciting opportunity to create a new public space that will not only be a standout legacy feature of the CBD that can be utilised by the community in a variety of ways, but will also be a fitting celebration of Mount Isa’s centenary in 2023.

“We at Council look forward to receiving the two concepts in due course and are excited about the future development of this key part of the CBD.”