DEAR News Of The Area
I refer to the NOTA article on the “New government workplace hub to house 600 staff ” (Friday 19 December, 2025). The article claims a number of advantages for the construction of the proposed Coffs Harbour Workplace Hub, including consolidating 26 existing leases, accommodating 600 staff from six government departments and the creation of secure, permanent, and well-paying jobs in our CBD.
These are reasonable claims, but we must also consider the loss of income to the existing leaseholders and the increase in vacancies in the affected towns.
Anyone who is familiar with the proposed site at 63-65 Albany Street will note that the area is a main thoroughfare with extremely limited parking, which will restrict access for any customer who needs to visit the hub.
The NOTA article infers that a multi-level parking facility for the current Gordon Street site (Yarrila Place), which is under “consideration”, may reduce any parking problems.
However, it should be noted that the proposed Coffs Harbour Uniting Church multi-storey worship, residential and commercial building at 19A-21 Gordon Street (adjacent to Yarrila Place) will also compete for any CBD parking.
In my experience, the consolidation of government departments into one location, provides a broad range of advantages and disadvantages to the site staff and for its customers.
Possibly, current technology will alleviate the need for a physical workplace hub.
Alternatively, the government could utilise the old Coffs Council building on Coffs Street to accommodate the Workplace Hub and use the Albany Street site for essential services personnel accommodation.
Michael Alexander
North Boambee Valley
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