Central Queensland Growth Hub Precinct Plan

Central Queensland Growth Hub Precinct Plan

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Planning & Design Advice

Client
Central Highlands Regional Council

Collaborators
Premise
Habitance
Bull & Bear Economics

Disciplines
Town Planning
Urban Design

Location
Emerald, QLD

Date
2022-2023

Imagery
Tract

Often mistaken for little more than a mining district, the township of Emerald has a diverse and thriving agricultural background with a strong focus on economic development and regional production that serves as a prosperous base for businesses and industries to explore and develop.
Svg+xml;charset=utf — tract

Following on from this contextual understanding, Tract worked closely with Central Highlands Regional Council (CHRC) to develop a site vision and precinct plan for a large parcel of land in Emerald, inclusive of what was once agricultural land and the former Emerald Agricultural College.

Apart from the ‘strategic assessment’ and ‘options analysis’ that formed the basis of CHRC’s business case to proceed with purchasing the site, Tract’s role in the project included the preparation of a site vision supported by a Central Queensland Growth Hub Precinct Plan and comprehensive report.

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In determining the best uses for the future of the site, Tract conducted extensive individual consultation with a large range of interested stakeholders to determine opportunities and ventures that align with the ethos of Council and the community to remain focused on agriculture and education.

The engagement process highlighted to the project team the community’s strong relationship to the former institution and a wide variety of exciting opportunities for business, innovation, and training in Emerald; all of which proved crucial for determining the potential future use of the land.

Svg+xml;charset=utf — tract
Svg+xml;charset=utf — tract

Among some of the challenges for developing this vision were:

  • appropriate integration of existing uses inclusive of several public facing and private operations,
  • the development of a hub that will encourage small to medium enterprises working with agricultural industries,
  • reconditioning existing buildings and infrastructure on site, and
  • the provision for multi-purpose spaces capable of adaptability to encourage collaboration and cohabitation.