City scales back cost of performing arts centre

The City of Busselton has reduced the scope of the proposed Busselton Performing Arts Centre.

Development costs have been cut from $30.3 million to $28.5 million.

The $1.7 million decrease is because the City was unable to secure funding for the creative industries hub from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

The council will now consider the outcomes of the tender process and final pricing before determining whether the project will continue. Depending on the outcomes of the tendering process, the council could endorse a loan of $15 million over a 20-year term, along with using money from reserve accounts to fund the project.

Additional funding secured by the City from external sources could reduce the loan amount.

City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley said not a single dollar of the State Government’s $76 million culture and arts budget had been directed to the City of Busselton.

“This is a shovel-ready project that would help stimulate the local economy during construction and provide benefits to the tourism, hospitality, events and retail sectors,” he said.

The State Government is yet to announce funding for the South West despite all other regions receiving funding as part of the WA Recovery Plan.