New look for Rockhampton’s Visitor Information Centre

Published on 14 August 2018

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Rockhampton’s iconic Visitor Information Centre ‘The Spire’ has been earmarked for an upgrade to catch the eye of visitors and enhance their impression of the Region as they arrive in Rockhampton.

Proposed concept designs by architects Thomson Adsett show the exterior of the building modernised with a new roof extension to the entry, new feature walls, polishing of The Spire and improved landscaping.

Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said the exterior upgrade is long overdue and an important investment for the building which has prominence along the city’s highway.

“The design provides a new skin for the building which is a cost effective way to modernise the old building which could be easily missed by travellers passing through Rockhampton,” Mayor Strelow said.

“After Council took over the management of the Spire from Capricorn Enterprise in April last year we upgraded the interior with a fresh coat of paint, new branding and a simple redesign which made the inside more inviting.

“The Centre is more than a wall of brochures and maps, we now sell souvenirs and new Rockhampton branded merchandise including our famous Fitzroy Fishing shirts.”

Mayor Strelow said Council had also invested time in upskilling more than 20 of its volunteers who sell our Region and its products to travelers.

“Volunteers play an incredibly important role in selling genuine, local stories that cannot be found on the internet.  The Information Centre is the first stop for tourists where they can meet and talk to a local who can entice them to stay longer - that is our highest priority for tourism right now,” Mayor Strelow said.

“With so many wonderful new attractions and developments throughout our Region, now is a crucial time to give our Spire a well-deserved upgrade so that we can capture every opportunity to sell this beautiful part of Australia.”

Council has set aside $150,000 toward the upgrade and is seeking matching funding to cover the project cost.