Published on Tuesday, 29 October 2024 at 5:00:00 AM
A world-class Convention and Performing Arts Centre in Busselton, Western Australia is a step closer to becoming a reality, with the centre set to open in mid-2025.
Once completed, the centre, to be named ‘Saltwater’ will be a multi-purpose facility used for a variety of creative, cultural, community and business events.
Features of the venue include a 640-seat tiered theatre that can be transformed into an open space with a 1000-person standing capacity, perfect for large trade shows and conventions.
Equipped with high performance light and sound equipment, the venue is also ideal for concerts and other musical performances.
Significant progress on construction has been made to the façade and interior spaces including the foyer, the Saltwater Gallery, the auditorium and back of house areas.
Window frames have been installed and glazing is almost complete. Ceilings, internal wall frames and doors are being progressively installed.
The project has been funded by the City of Busselton with generous contributions from the Australian Government ($12.2 million), Lotterywest and Rio Tinto.
Saltwater has been named after the Wadandi (Saltwater People), the Traditional Owners of the land (Undalup) on which this new venue is located.
The project was forecast to support 120 jobs during construction and to create another 45 ongoing jobs.
For more information visit: www.saltwaterbusselton.com.au
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“Through our funding for the Saltwater Convention and Performing Arts Centre, the Australian Government is investing in new community facilities including a multi-purpose venue for large performances, conventions and business events.
“This will result in a fantastic new space for world-class entertainment, national conferences and exhibitions, breathing new life into Busselton’s cultural landscape.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for Western Australia Louise Pratt:
“Saltwater will allow an increase in the amount of live music performances and concerts held in the region, which will boost visitation during both the peak and off-peak tourism periods.
“It will bring more visitors to Busselton and will be the jewel in the crown of the Busselton Cultural Precinct.”
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Busselton Phill Cronin:
“Saltwater is nearing completion and the countdown to opening has well and truly commenced.
"Considerable progress has been made and construction is approximately 70 per cent complete.
"Looking at the construction site from Queen Street, you can see the venue is really starting to take shape now.
"Window frames have been installed and glazing is almost complete, which contributes to the sense of anticipation that the venue is rapidly moving into the final stage of construction.
"When I toured the site recently, I could see that significant progress has been made with internal fit out and finishing in key areas including the multi-functional auditorium.
"You can imagine yourself sitting in the spacious tiered-seat theatre for a show or visualise the area converted to a flat-floor space for a concert.
"The auditorium will diversify the range of events we can host in Busselton, as it will provide a large enough venue to attract some of Australia's finest touring theatre productions and concerts to region for the first time in history.
"Not only has the City secured a diverse range of exciting shows for Saltwater's first few years of operation, the venue has also been booked for some large national conferences during the off-peak tourism season.
"On the second floor, you can picture the conference suite set up for a range of different business events and delegates will enjoy beautiful views of the Foreshore Precinct from the alfresco balcony."
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