Karratha arts precinct to benefit from $10 million Federal funding

Construction of the Karratha Arts and Community Precinct looks set to go ahead as scheduled after the City of Karratha was successful in securing $10 million from the Second Round of the National Stronger Regions Fund (NSRF).

The $55.6 million precinct will include 450-seat theatre, a new library, arts centre, gallery space, an outdoor event space with an amphitheatre, as well as space for the local history office.

It is one of 111 projects across the country successful in securing a share of $293 million handed out by the latest round of the NSRF.

Welcoming the funding announcement, Federal Member for Durack Melissa Price stated “this project will be a massive boost for not just Karratha but the Pilbara.

“It will provide iconic, contemporary, cultural and learning facilities and consists of a state of the art library, multi-functional theatre, modern outdoor amphitheatre and a war memorial.

“The library will include a professions research and education development zone, office space and personalised visitor centre services integrated into the layout.

“The theatre and associated spaces features a grand open foyer proving opportunities for showcasing local and aboriginal art and local history exhibitions, and a stunning roof top terrace space for cinema and outdoor events.”

In October, City of Karratha Mayor Peter Long said tenders for the construction of the Karratha Arts and Community Precinct would be invited in early 2016 if external funding was secured.

The City intends to underwrite the estimated cost of the Precinct with $27.5 million of its own funds while aiming to secure the balance through a mixture of grants and industry contributions.

In addition to the NSRF monies it has applied for $14 million of Western Australian Government Royalties for Regions money through the Pilbara Cities Infrastructure Fund, and $1 million through Lotterywest as well as negotiating with industry for around $9 million in contributions.

Time is against the City and it appears the community will go at least another two or three years without a theatre space after the demolition of the unusable Walkington Theatre in 2014.

Click here for more information. 

Images shows schematic designs for the facility by Peter Hunt Architect.

10th December 2015 - $95 MILLION FUNDING BOOST FOR REGIONAL TOURISM

9th December 2015 - NEW OTIUM CONSULTANCY HIGHLIGHTS NATIONAL STRONGER REGIONS FUNDING PROJECT SUCCESSES

15th April 2015 - WESTERN AUSTRALIA LOOKS TO SET NEW STRATEGIC DIRECTION FOR THE ARTS

5th March 2015 - VALE: PETER HUNT ARCHITECT

21st March 2014 - SHIRE OF ROEBOURNE APPROVES PLANS FOR KARRATHA CULTURAL PRECINCT 

15th February 2011 - DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE THREATENED BY DEBT 

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