Mount Isa Centennial Place

Mount Isa Centennial Place Community Hub

Project: Centennial Place – Community Hub
Project Location: Mt Isa, QLD
Project Size: 184m2
Architect: Tract Consultants, Bligh Tanner, Multitech Solutions, SJM Hydraulics, C-Change, Peddle Thorp
Traditional Owners:  Kalkadoon
Installation: Oaka Construction Pty Ltd
Awards: 
 • 2024 AILA Landscape Architecture Award – Civic Landscape (QLD)
• 2024 AILA Regional Achievement Award (QLD)

Mount Isa Centennial Place is a landmark development that enhances the community and celebrates the region’s rich cultural and Indigenous heritage. Commissioned by the Mount Isa City Council and acknowledging the Kalkadoon Traditional Owners, this project has created a vibrant central hub that reflects the unique history of north-western Queensland.

Designed by Tract Consultants and delivered with key collaborators including Bligh Tanner, Multitech Solutions, and SJM Hydraulics, this project integrates community-led priorities with innovative urban design. Centennial Place provides a space for cultural acknowledgment, community activities, and connection, solidifying its role as a dynamic heart for the Mount Isa CBD.

Project Highlights
Centennial Place was designed as an activated green heart within Mount Isa’s CBD, addressing the city’s distinct climatic challenges while emphasizing its rich cultural and Indigenous history. The project successfully brings together community, business, and council interests, making the space a welcoming and inclusive public hub. The design maximizes shaded areas, improving comfort and usability throughout the day and night, while promoting Mount Isa as a central location for community gatherings and events.

This innovative public space has been recognized with two prestigious awards:
• 2024 AILA Landscape Architecture Award for Civic Landscape (QLD)
• 2024 AILA Regional Achievement Award (QLD)

These accolades reflect the success of the project in creating a vibrant, well-utilized community space while addressing key environmental and design challenges specific to the region.

ARCPANEL’s Role
Given Mount Isa’s extreme climate, thermal efficiency was a key consideration in the design of Centennial Place. ARCPANEL was proud to provide our 75mm Custom Panel roofing solution, chosen for its excellent thermal insulation, durability, and ability to meet the project’s structural needs.

ARCPANEL’s Custom Panel allowed for significant spans and large cantilevers, providing shaded areas that enhance comfort while maximizing usable public space. The panels’ lightweight construction enabled quick and easy installation, reducing labor time and costs, while the superior thermal performance ensures the space remains cool and inviting even during Mount Isa’s hottest days.

Key Benefits of ARCPANEL for Mount Isa Centennial Place

• Thermal Efficiency: ARCPANEL insulated panels help to significantly reduce heat, providing a cooler environment for public use throughout the year.
• Quick Installation: Lightweight panels contributed to faster installation, minimizing construction timelines and labor costs.
• Design Flexibility: The panels’ ability to span large areas and achieve impressive cantilevers enabled the creation of open, shaded public spaces without complex support structures.
• Cost-Effective: The design minimized structural complexity, reducing overall project costs while maintaining high standards of quality and durability.
  

Community Impact
Centennial Place has become a vibrant central hub within Mount Isa, offering an inclusive space for the local community and visitors. By celebrating Mount Isa’s mining heritage and acknowledging the cultural significance of the Kalkadoon people, the project has created a space that reflects the city’s identity while providing practical amenities. Whether used for events, gatherings, or simply a place to relax, Centennial Place is designed to be enjoyed by all.

The project exemplifies how thoughtful urban design can enhance livability, safety, and economic activity within a community. The Mount Isa City Council has set a new standard for community spaces in regional areas, ensuring that Centennial Place will continue to be a focal point for locals and visitors alike.

Conclusion
ARCPANEL is proud to have been part of the Mount Isa Centennial Place project, providing high-quality, high performance insulated roof panels that not only contributed to the project’s success but also addressed the specific design and climate challenges of the region. The recognition this project has received from the AILA Landscape Architecture Awards underscores its significance and lasting impact on the Mount Isa community.