Arts Centre construction ready to begin

The tender for the long-awaited Stirling Street Arts Centre has been given to local building firm Smith Constructions with the project expected to take 44 weeks to complete.

The announcement came last when Mayor Gary Brennan and Bunbury MLA Don Punch visited centre managing director Graeme Lush on-site, who described the expansion and upgrades as long overdue.

Smith Constructions business manager Cameron Herring said the company was delighted to have been awarded the tender and was thankful for the opportunity.

“Given we will be improving a community facility coupled with the fact that its location is in a renowned heritage area, we see it as a really important project to be a part of and look forward to delivering it to the City of Bunbury,” he said.

Despite the tender being about $400,000 more than originally budgeted for, Mr Brennan said he was confident the project would be completed.

“Hopefully we can convince the State to chip in a bit more and the city will not let this project flounder,” he said.

The expansion works are set to include a whole new building to provide more exhibition space, office space and upgraded toilets.

Mr Punch said the finished centre would “provide a much better and more contemporary venue”.