JD Hardie Youth Centre reopens after $9.55million redevelopment, Grylls
Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 28-June-2011
State Government Royalties for Regions funding has provided South Hedland residents with exciting new services and facilities with the $9.55million redevelopment of the JD Hardie Youth Centre.
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls was in South Hedland today to reopen the expanded youth centre, which received $2.9million under the Pilbara Cities program.
Mr Grylls said the centre’s transformation into a multifunctional youth precinct addressed a critical need within the community for youth services and facilities.
“This centre will be a ‘one-stop shop’ offering health, recreation and support services for people aged 10-21, and will provide a base for local government, not-for-profit organisations and allied community groups,” he said.
The redevelopment project included a substantial extension of the existing centre, which was built in the 1970s, into a facility incorporating a multi-purpose hall, youth activity rooms, offices and counselling rooms.
“As well as providing fantastic recreational opportunities, the design of this modern, indoor facility allows the centre to be used for a number of purposes,” the Minister said.
“The young people of South Hedland now have a vibrant space in which to engage with technology, performing arts, dance and visual arts.”
Mr Grylls said the redevelopment - which also received funding from BHP Billiton Iron Ore, Department of Housing’s South Hedland New Living Project, and the Town of Port Hedland - had received extensive support from residents, as well as youth, government and non-government organisations.
“The community made it clear that youth services and facilities here in South Hedland were crucial,” he said.
“With Royalties for Regions funding, the community’s long-held dream of creating one of the State’s best youth venues has been realised.”
The JD Hardie Centre will function as a dual recreation and youth facility until Port Hedland’s state-of-the-art Multi-Purpose Recreation Centre opens in May 2012.
The JD Hardie Centre will then operate as the largest youth precinct in Western Australia.
