Site plan of the new James Street Cultural Precinct. Photo: Christou.
Council has agreed to budget nearly $7.6 million towards the new James Street Cultural Centre, after receiving a $14.9 million Commonwealth grant for the project.
Cr Leonie de Haas said she was excited to move the motion to set the ball rolling.
“As a member of the museum working group I’m even more excited they have a bit more of a future in front of them,” she said.
“As a regular user of the library I’m almost beside myself.”
Cr de Haas said the project had been in the pipeline for several years and encompassed an integrated community and cultural complex.
“We all know that our library is just hanging in there and is in desperate need of renewal, and that the museum needs major work,” she said.
“This project allows the space for both and allows further work in the museum to take place gradually.”
The precinct is to be built on land at the corner of James Street and the Esplanade.
Council formally agreed to enter into a funding agreement with Main Roads WA, which was handling the fund on behalf of the Commonwealth.
Esperance Shire issued a statement saying tenders for Stage 1a construction components were expected to be called for without delay once it was signed off.
It is intended to create a purpose-built space to co-locate a new library, visitor centre, café, and community areas.
“It’s a major step forward in strengthening our community and enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike,” the statement says.
Deputy Shire President Jennifer Obourne described it as a “once in a generation project”.
“I’m super excited about this,” she said.
“The opportunity for efficient construction of Stage 1a, with the positive cost implications of the business unit colocations, is too good to pass up.
“I expect this beautiful new building to be life changing for staff and users, I believe it will level up our local tourism industry, change how we view our town, and be treasured as a community hub for at least the next 50 years.”
Stage 1 of the project is to include a new public library; visitor centre and café; heritage and sculpture courtyards; bus drop-off bay; outdoor children’s play area; and feature overhead arbour.
