Image: from left Premier Mark McGowan,  Mayor Margaret Thomas and local MP Mathew Hughes

Mayor Margaret Thomas said, “I am delighted to watch this project move from a planning-phase to the build-stage and I thank Lotterywest, the State Government and the Federal Government for their commitment to the project.”

“I would like to acknowledge the tireless work of the Kalamunda Community Learning Centre, who advocated for a new community centre for many years and the work of the Kalamunda Community Reference Group who have been instrumental in collaborating with the City to ensure the project had a whole of community perspective.”

“The Kalamunda Community Centre project is not just about creating a beautiful space for leisure and recreation, it’s also about delivering an innovative space that benefits the broader community for many generations. I look forward to watching the build unfold to finally become a fantastic place for residents and visitors to enjoy and explore.”

The Centre, being built by Western Australian company Pindan, will create local jobs during construction, and provide vital services to the community when complete.

Key features of the new building include seven activity rooms, two halls, office space, a kitchen, bathrooms, outdoor play areas and a viewing deck. Timber and stone design textures will give the building a natural feel, paying tribute to its surrounds. 

Pindan General Manager Simon Greenlaw said the company was excited to kick off construction of the multi-purpose facility at Jorgensen Park.

“This is a very important community project that will breathe new life into the area and benefit locals so we’re incredibly proud to play a key part in delivering it to residents,” Mr Greenlaw said.

“The contract involves the demolition of the current pavilion to make way for a new building that boasts two halls, art studios and craft rooms, a kitchen, office space, childcare facilities, bathrooms, a viewing deck and outdoor play areas, so it’s a wonderful facility.”

The project also includes improvements to the site’s car parking facilities and associated infrastructure.

Bollig Design Group director and senior architect Ray Crocker said the Centre design was a high quality attractive contemporary venue to service the needs of the Kalamunda community.

“The building is designed to nestle in harmony with the much loved bushland, preserving the vital habitat for the Carnaby cockatoos.”

The Federal Government has contributed $1 million to the project, Lotterywest has provided $2.5 million) and the State Government of Western Australia has injected $3 Million into the project, with a $150,000 contribution from the Kalamunda Community Learning Centre.

Opening of the Kalamunda Community Centre is due in March 2021.