Hub project to 'fill gap'
A funding submission for a new community hub in Wickham will be put forward after Roebourne Shire Council adopted a renewed scope for the project.
The project, already supported by Rio Tinto, will include offices and clinical space for GPs, a community hall, drop-in centre, skate park, library, child care and a multipurpose space.
The site will be planned to provide options for future additions to the development.
One of those possible additions is a bowling alley, which Wickham Community Association president Fiona White-Hartig said was part of the original design.
"The Pilbara Development Commission called for three different scopes to be put up and the preferred one is the $18.5 million design which has the bowling alley taken out," she said.
"It doesn't mean it can't be added in afterwards though; it's definitely not off the table."
Mrs White-Hartig said although the design was different from what the association had originally submitted, she was excited to see the project move forward.
"This is something that needed to happen five years ago," she said.
"It's going to fill a big gap in Wickham.
"We can't wait to get a start on it."
Shire of Roebourne President Peter Long said the hub project was an important addition to Wickham, providing new community spaces and youth facilities.
"Building a hub allows us to create a space that is a bustling centre of activity for the community where people can meet, mingle and access important community services," he said.
"I'm hopeful that we will receive funding from the State Government for this critical project for our eastern towns which, along with our partnership with Rio Tinto, will allow us to get this project off the ground."
The scope changes have come about through consultation with the Eastern Corridor communities.
