It was with great pride that Bunbury business couple Nick and Robyn DeMarte welcomed the WA Premier Mark McGowan into their newly completed project, Victoria Square on Friday afternoon.
The Premier officially opened the building and commended Mr DeMarte for his hard work and determination.
Mr McGowan said it was a great local story and a marvellous building.
“It is a demonstration of confidence in Bunbury and a demonstration of confidence in the community to have built this,” he said.
“There is a lot to be proud of – it shows that willpower, hard work and commitment wins through.”
The son of Italian immigrants, Mr DeMarte said he was proud to continue the tradition of the migrant community making a strong contribution to their city.
“The migrant community faced many challenges in the early days, but they worked hard, overcame many hardships and established some of Bunbury’s most well known companies,” he said.
“Robyn and I wanted to make a contribution to Bunbury and importantly, create work for locals which we did by using our own fabrication apprentices and through local builder BGC and other suppliers and contractors.”
Mr DeMarte said he was delighted that Premier Mark McGowan had accepted his invitation to officially open the building.
“About three years ago we had just started construction and Mr McGowan saw us at work and came and asked about the building,” Mr DeMarte said.
“He was impressed with what we were doing and said he would love to come back and see it finished.”
The $13 million building, located on the corner of Victoria and Clifton Streets was constructed over two years, using local suppliers and contractors, it includes 12 premises and two residential penthouse apartments with views over the Leschenault Inlet.
The building also includes the latest innovations and design concepts – showers, changerooms, kitchens and undercover bike racks.
Victoria Square has already attracted popular Australian restaurant franchise The Lone Star, adding to restaurant options and a number of local businesses.
