Residents from the town of Coolgardie have been bought some early Christmas cheer with the announcement today that the Coolgardie Post Office and associated buildings will be upgraded.
Making the announcement at the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Chamber of Commerce and Industry final Business After Hours event for the year, Wendy Duncan MLA said that the significant investment from Royalties for Regions will boost the profile of the regional centre and offer a vibrant hub catering for multiple purposes.
“This is a wonderful project for Coolgardie who will greatly benefit from the repurposing and upgrades of such an historical site in the heart of the town,” Ms Duncan said.
“The $3.16 million in Royalties for Regions money put towards the project through the Goldfields Esperance Revitalisation Fund will preserve the history of the town and greatly enhance the local landscape while becoming a key attraction in the region.”
Ms Duncan said that exterior of the complex was upgraded and recently restored by the Shire under Stage 1 of the project, and Stage 2 will involve:-
Refurbishment of the former Seargents Quarters for a ‘drop-in’ and education centre for the Coolgardie Aboriginal Advisory Group;
Refurbishment of the former Drill Hall and Gaol Yard into a café and museum;
Creation of a multi-purpose function area and two mini-display galleries;
Refurbishment of lower floor space for one larger retailer and three smaller pop-up shops;
Refurbishment of upper floor space to create a shared, collaborative ‘business hub’ with office space, meeting rooms and amenities;
Conversion of the former Post Masters residence into three residences which will be available for lease;
Installation of new traveller facilities including showers and universal access toilets;
Refurbishment of the existing Post Office building, existing residential unit and existing retail area.
Also attending the Business After Hours event, Tony Crook, Candidate for Kalgoorlie, said that the upgrades to the historic Coolgardie Post Office and the multi-purpose approach towards the use of the building would ensure a successful project.
“It’s wonderful that Government is supporting our regional towns and their magnificent century old buildings through enabling them to hold a purpose well into the future.”
“Congratulations to the Shire of Coolgardie, the Goldfields Esperance Development Commission and the community for all their hard work and contributions towards this great project which will reinject energy into the building and provide a central shopping and business hub for residents and tourists to enjoy,” Mr Crook said.
Construction is estimated to take up to 18 months and will create employment opportunities during the construction phase and on completion of the works.
For media enquiries call Wendy Duncan MLA on 0438 782 034
PHOTO:- Mia Hicks (Mia Hicks Consulting), Shire of Coolgardie President – Malcolm Cullen, Wendy Duncan MLA, Councillor Betty Logan and Candidate for Kalgoorlie, Tony Crook celebrate the Coolgardie Post Office funding announcement.
