Busselton reveals $28m civic plans
Newly released concept plans reveal a modern look for the City of Busselton’s proposed $28 million administration building and multi-functional civic centre.
The City has released the concept plans, floor plans and funding model for the redevelopment as it commences a four-week public consultation process.
Under the proposal, the two-storey building containing the existing council chambers will be retained and refurbished for office space, while a new three-storey building will be built facing Causeway Road.
The new building will have a sleek design including etched glass portraying the heritage of the Busselton Jetty and the region’s tall sailing ships.
Features include a spacious foyer and upstairs council chambers and civic reception area with views to the foreshore.
The existing civic centre will be demolished to make way for the new one with performing arts space.
It has been designed to perform the dual roles of a large hall or auditorium with tiered seating for 300 people, and will have a built-in 120sqm stage, green rooms, dressing rooms and loading docks.
There is also an adjoining commercial kitchen, bar, lounge and foyer.
City chief executive Mike Archer said the new building would cater for the City’s staff to grow from 170 to 210 in the next 20 years.
He added the facility was not designed as a replacement for a dedicated performing arts centre, but rather a more modern take on a civic centre.
“The council has a preferred site for a performing arts centre in the cultural precinct, ” he said.
“The reality is our population does not mean we could sustain a building of that size and cost.
“The City of Busselton doesn’t have this (300 seat) space anywhere in the district apart from the Dunsborough Hall.”
Cr Gordon Bleechmore emphasised a decision has not been made on the project and they were seeking the community’s input.
Councillors and City officers will answer questions and conduct a tour of the existing facilities at an open day from 9am to noon tomorrow.
Cr Bleechmore also defended the funding model for the project, which involves a 20-year loan, and has been criticised by Mayor Ian Stubbs.
“There’s an argument where paying money in reserves is people of today paying for assets of tomorrow, ” Cr Bleechmore said.
“Borrowed money is people paying for the assets they’re using today.” If public consultation is positive, construction is expected to start in February 2015.
