LOGAN City Council has abandoned plans to set up a $6 million innovation hub at the Kingston Butter Factory.
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This comes after the Kingston Butter Factory Arts and Crafts centre and the Logan Historical Museum Society were forced to relocate near the Logan Central Library to make way for the proposed hub.
Administrator Tamara O'Shea said overwhelming feedback from national and international experts downplayed the importance of investment in a "bricks and mortar" innovation centre.
Ms O'Shea said an "alternative delivery model" for an innovation hub not at the Kingston Butter Factory would be the most financially sound option.
"It will allow council to pursue innovation hub delivery options for start-ups and entrepreneurs without the need for a permanent physical location at this time, and with a clear focus on economic growth," she said.
"In a clear sign that this is the best way forward, within the past week council signed an exciting agreement with Logan-based tech startup G01.
"This partnership gives council the opportunity to create a co-lab for the Logan Innovation Hub at the company's Underwood premises."
G01 is a global company which moved its head office to Logan due to the benefits of council's $1.5 million Investment Attraction Incentive Fund.
Co-founder Vu Tran said the partnership was an opportunity for G01 to boost Logan's entrepreneurial credentials.
More than 1.5 million people rely on G01 to meet training and compliance needs.
Innovation and City Transformation director Scott Bourke said the decision to explore alternative innovation hub options was made following consultation with local stakeholders.
"Rather than investing in a permanent physical location, council will work with corporate partners to deliver significant programs in other locations across the city," he said.
"Another advantage of this strategy is that it gives us the opportunity to explore the full range of options to the the Kingston Butter Factory redevelopment realise its full potential."
The council will continue with plans to upgrade the butter factory's electrical services and demolish the current outdoor stage.
A decision on the building's future use as an arts and cultural facility will be made subject to community consultation.
