Theatre's grand tradition to end in explosion

Karratha will say farewell to the Walkington Theatre in an explosive fashion with the nearly 30-year-old building scheduled for demolition this year to make way for a $9.5 million TAFE expansion.

The theatre was established in 1986 and has been closed since the beginning of 2011 when heavy rains damaged it and the adjoining library.

Although the library reopened in 2013 the theatre was boarded off and remained closed because of the damage and mould.

A $1,823,021 contract was awarded to Pindan Contracting to demolish the theatre on February 23. It was the lowest of five bids. The Department of Training and Workforce Development expects work to start within weeks. An Electrical and Instrumentation Centre of Specialisation will be built in place of the theatre as part of the Pilbara Institute's campus.

DTWD director-general Ruth Shean said the planning process for demolition of the theatre and now outdoor cinema was considered carefully.

"The public will continue to have access to the library and the Karratha campus will continue normal operations during site works," she said.

"Arrangements have also been made to ensure the community can still enjoy the outdoor cinema with minimal disruption."

Department of Regional Development director-general Ralph Addis said the centre would help address a skills shortage in the electrical trades sector in the Pilbara.

"This is yet another example of Royalties for Regions improving services to regional communities, keeping them sustainable into the future," he said.

A Department of Finance spokesman said the demolition was scheduled to be completed by mid-July this year.

The Karratha library will soon too have to go but not in such a spectacular fashion. The library is run by the City of Karratha and its services will be moved to the planned $55 million Arts and Community Precinct.