Sod has been turned on a new $6.6 million community centre in Kalamunda, Western Australia as construction company Pindan begins work.
The milestone was celebrated by Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan, Member for Kalamunda Matthew Hughes, City of Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas, the City’s Director of Asset Services Brett Jackson, and with a welcome to country and blessing from Noongar Elder Neville Collard.
Pindan General Manager Simon Greenlaw said the company was excited to kick off construction of the multi-purpose facility at Jorgensen Park.
“This is a very important community project that will breathe new life into the area and benefit locals so we’re incredibly proud to play a key part in delivering it to residents,” Greenlaw said.
“The contract involves the demolition of the current pavilion to make way for a new building that boasts two halls, art studios and craft rooms, a kitchen, office space, childcare facilities, bathrooms, a viewing deck and outdoor play areas, so it’s a wonderful facility.”
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Construction works will also see improvements made to the site’s car parking facilities and associated infrastructure. Building materials used on the project feature tile and stone texture designs to complement the surroundings.
Mayor Margaret Thomas said she was delighted to watch the project move from the planning phase to the build phase.
“I would like to acknowledge the tireless work of the Kalamunda Community Learning Centre, who advocated for a new community centre for many years and the work of the Kalamunda Community Reference Group who have been instrumental in collaborating with the City to ensure the project had a whole of community perspective,” she said.
“The Kalamunda Community Centre project is not just about creating a beautiful space for leisure and recreation, it’s also about delivering an innovative space that benefits the broader community for many generations. I look forward to watching the build unfold to finally become a fantastic place for residents and visitors to enjoy and explore.”
Bollig Design Group director and Senior Architect Ray Crocker said the Centre design was a high quality attractive contemporary venue to service the needs of the Kalamunda community.
“The building is designed to nestle in harmony with the much loved bushland, preserving the vital habitat for the Carnaby cockatoos.”
The Federal Government contributed$1 million to the project, with Lotterywest providing $2.5 million and the Western Australian Government investing $3 million.
The opening of the Kalamunda Community Centre is expected to take place in March 2021.