Construction of Busselton’s $38 million Performing Arts and Convention Centre will go ahead, despite concerns about the cost.
Construction of Busselton’s $38 million Performing Arts and Convention Centre will go ahead after the council made the decision to proceed, despite concerns about the cost.
At an ordinary council meeting last night, councillors considered community feedback and assessed a range of alternative options before voting 7-2 to progress with the project, using the design which had previously been out for tender.
The development will be a multi-function venue, integrated with the Weld Theatre and ArtGeo Gallery, for live performances, business events and award nights.
It will include a 600-seat auditorium, fixed dress circle seats and a separate studio with capacity to seat 400 people.
The total project value is $44.5 million, including consultant costs, fit out and landscaping, and a contingency provision of $3 million.
Members of the local community were concerned with the cost of the project, after initial estimates anticipated construction would cost $24.5 million, but the tenders council received were all at least $13 million over budget.
The increase was attributed to labour and material shortages in the construction industry.
The council commissioned independent research firm Catalyse to survey residents about the project, which found 53 per cent of residents opposed it, 45 per cent wanted to proceed and 2 per cent were unsure.
When making its decision, the council acknowledged concerns about the cost of the project and requested the chief executive review funding options to mitigate issues around rate increases and debt levels.
Confirmed funding for the project includes a federal grant of $10.35 million, $2.7 million from the sale of the old library building, $2 million from Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program funding, $250,000 in sponsorship from Rio Tinto and $2.5 million from council reserve and retained surplus funds.
City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley said extensive research, market analysis and industry consultation had been undertaken over the past decade to inform the design and viability of the centre.
“We understand there is some community concern with respect to the cost of building a performing arts and convention centre however council believes now is the right time to proceed, with interest rates at a very low level and with support of significant federal funding,” Mr Henley said.
“Council believes it has the financial capacity to proceed and will look at all options to mitigate the impact on rates.
“The city has been investigating the need for a performing arts and conference venue for over ten years and council believe it is time we invest in the future of arts and culture in the city.”
