Funding for arts, school

Premier Mark McGowan visited Bunbury on Wednesday to make two significant funding announcements for Bunbury Senior High School and the Stirling Street Arts Centre.

Mr McGowan unveiled designs for a new $5 million building at BSHS which would house staff amenities on the first floor while the second floor would provide two multi-purpose classrooms and an open activity space.

The third floor would contain a student cafeteria with construction expected to start early next year with completion expected for late 2019.

Mr McGowan said the new building would allow BSHS to continue to deliver the outstanding education it has provided for 100 years.

“The new facilities are a terrific design, they fit with the location, they have a great outlook over the ocean and they will meet the needs of students and staff here for many years to come,” he said.

Bunbury MLA Don Punch said it was really satisfying to see this election commitment come to fruition.

Mr McGowan also took time yesterday to present a $1 million Lotterywest grant to the City of Bunbury for upgrades to the Stirling Street Arts Centre.

The upgrades include two multi-purpose studios, a meeting room, toilets, administration offices, a new reception and exhibition space and a commercial kitchen.

Mr McGowan said the upgrades would assist more community groups to access the centre and provide more opportunities for people to get involved.

Bunbury deputy mayor Jaysen Miguel said the upgrades to the centre were a long time in the making.

“The $1 million from the State Government will go towards the City’s $1 million contribution so it is going to be a $2 million build,” he said.

“That will go out to tender pretty much straight away — the City was aware that the money was there but obviously we couldn’t do anything until the money was handed over.

“Once the tender process is completed I assume we will see something happening almost immediately.”