Construction Commences on Chinchilla Cultural Centre Revitalisation
Published on 05 December 2022
The enhanced, modern facility will make for a vibrant, and welcoming space for residents and visitors to enjoy, as well as uplifting the central space of Chinchilla in this COVID-19 Recovery Package project.
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said that the Cultural Centre is a very important facility for the Chinchilla community and the region, and that the well utilised space deserved to be attractive and appealing to complement the vibrant town of Chinchilla.
"The community has been really looking forward to getting this project started so I'm happy to announce that works will get underway next week, in partnership with local contractors New State Builders and Demex Pty Ltd," Cr McVeigh said.
"This project isn't about rebuilding an existing facility; it's about making one of our major cultural hubs even more attractive and vibrant as part of Council's commitment to delivering excellent infrastructure to support the quality lifestyle we enjoy in the Western Downs.
"It's the role of Council to investigate and pursue funding opportunities for projects that continually improve the great liveability that we have become so well known for. When funding became available through the Australian Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, Council advocated for and secured $6.9 million which will be used to deliver this project to enhance the town of Chinchilla and the Western Downs.
Councillor Kaye Maguire, Council Spokesperson for Community and Cultural Development, said that the facility will look brilliant once renovations conclude in 2023.
"A revitalised and modernised entry and office for the popular Chinchilla Cinema, as well as a reinvigorated library space with wide open and welcoming entry, seating area and reading courtyard will transform the facility into a beautifully spacious location", Cr Maguire said.
"The library space will also boast a multimedia area and computer room as well as a new communal workshop activity area for community members and visitors to take advantage of.
"The much-loved Lapunyah Art Gallery will also enjoy a whole new layout and refreshed look and feel to compliment the fantastic artistic exhibits and activities inside the creative hub.
"A grass amphitheatre, seating terraces, beautiful street arbours and 'bush houses' will set the building apart and create a 'wow factor' right in the heart of Chinchilla, especially when lit with the enhanced lighting.
New State Builders Director Tony Carmichael said he was happy to be selected to deliver a project that will uplift the Chinchilla Cultural Centre into a visionary space that people can be proud of.
"Often projects of this scale can take a while to get started, but we're keen to break ground and get the project moving from next week so that the community can enjoy the finished facility in 2023", said Mr Carmichael.
"I think it's fantastic that Western Downs Regional Council has made such an effort to award this work to local contractors and builders to ensure that this Federal funding reaches the local economy.
"New State Builders is excited to be partnering with Demex Pty Ltd, as well as working with other local suppliers throughout the construction phases.
The project is being delivered in partnership with the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP) with phase 1 expected to be completed mid-year and phase 2 in the second half of 2023.
For more information and to have your say, contact Council on 1300 COUNCIL (1300 268 624) or visit https://www.wdrc.qld.gov.au /Chinchilla-Cultural-Precinct