The City of Bunbury has thrown its support behind proposed changes to the Stirling Street Arts Centre.
At its meeting on July 10, the council discussed an executive recommendation calling for the demolition of an existing toilet block on the centre’s premises.
The recommendation also asked for the city to approve plans for a purpose-built studio and administration building.
Addressing councillors last week, Stirling Street Arts Centre centre manager Graeme Lush stressed the importance of improving the facility.
Resident Del Ambrosius asked for councillors to consider the area’s heritage before making a decision.
Council voted in favour of the proposal.
“I would imagine they would move fairly quickly because they have been working on this for several years now,” City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said.
“The Stirling Street Arts Centre has been an integral facility for the whole South West, not just the Greater Bunbury Area.
“It’s a great facility. The heritage of the building will be maintained, it will give the office staff and volunteers more space, and the toilet is very old and run-down so it does need to be replaced.”
Mr Brennan said the centre provided considerable resources for community members of all ages.
“They have school holiday programs, summer school programs etc. – there’s a whole raft of activities there,” he said.
“It really provides a tremendous community service and a lot of the mature members of the community love going there to socialise, learn, and carry out their hobbies.”
The city allocated $1.9 million to the project in the 2018/19 budget, with developments subject to grant funding.
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