(Image credit: Sewell Design)
Transgrid has released a series of artist impressions and an architectural fly through animation to provide a sneak peek of its innovative community engagement and discovery centre being built in the heart of Wagga Wagga.
Construction works are underway to transform the old Elders building in Kincaid Street into the Transgrid Discovery Hub.
Executive General Manager of Corporate & Stakeholder Affairs Maryanne Graham said: “In a first for Transgrid, we are building an engaging and inviting space for community members, landowners and local businesses to maximise the economic and social benefits of our major projects which are centred on the Riverina.
“A one-stop shop will allow visitors to engage with Transgrid and access information about our energy vision, major projects, employment and training opportunities, operations, and community-based activities across the region. Local businesses will be able to seek supply opportunities as part of our major projects.
“A community space will be available for use by not-for-profit organisations for meetings, workshops, and conferences, while a yarning circle will provide a culturally appropriate space to ensure recognition and active inclusion of First Nations people and acknowledge our presence on Wiradjuri Country.
“The Transgrid Discovery Hub will also include a discovery space for community members and school students to explore power generation, electricity transmission, the transition to renewables, and careers in the energy sector through visual and interactive experiences.
“Visitors will be able to learn about the history of electricity in the Riverina from when power was first switched on in Wagga in 1922 right through to the region’s critical role in enabling Australia’s renewable energy future through major projects including EnergyConnect, HumeLink and VNI West.
“A kinetic energy display will allow visitors to use a bike to generate electricity to charge their mobile phones and find out how fast they will have to pedal to power a kettle or toaster. They will also be able to explore key electrical equipment including a section of transmission line and insulator.
“The new centre will boast external facilities including an electric vehicle charging station and a solar-powered Wi-Fi and charging bench for mobile phones and other devices.”
Transgrid has also launched a challenge to enlist local students to research and design an interactive and educational Discovery Pod to be located at the hub, with prizes including $5,000 for the winning secondary school.
“We are inviting local high school students to research and design a Discovery Pod to explore the concepts of energy, engineering and environment in a fun and educational way using interactive audio-visual technology, games, a challenge, animation, video or presentation of ideas,” Ms Graham said.
“Transgrid is also consulting local schools, teachers, and educational professionals to design a program of activity at the centre to support in-class learning for secondary students.”
The construction of the Transgrid Discovery Hub is providing a boost to local businesses.
“Transgrid has committed to using all local businesses and suppliers for the design and construction of the discovery hub as part of our commitment to invest locally and deliver this facility for Wagga from Wagga,” she said.
“We have already engaged a range of local companies to help us deliver the facility including architects Sewell Design, builders Balding Constructions, furniture manufacturers Adaptive Interiors, graphic designers Sunday Collective, copywriters Frank and Earnest, and Applied Building & Grounds Maintenance, with more Wagga companies to be brought into the project shortly.”
The Transgrid Discovery Hub is expected to be open to the public in early 2024.
More information about the Transgrid Discovery Hub can be found here: https://www.transgrid.com.au/community/wagga-discovery
Transgrid media contact:
Mark Nolan 0429 047 136