- $9.74 million multi-purpose Margaret River HEART officially opened
- Redevelopment of former cultural centre and squash courts into world-class venue supported with $5 million McGowan Government investment
Margaret River will cement its reputation as the heart of the South West's arts scene, with a new $9.74 million multi-purpose centre that brings together entertainment, arts and business events in one world-class venue.
The Margaret River HEART was officially opened today, with Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan joining Shire of Augusta-Margaret River representatives and stakeholders at the event.
Through a staged redevelopment, the former cultural centre and associated squash courts have been transformed into a modern hub.
Facilities include a 448-seat theatre, multipurpose room, exhibition spaces, cinema screens, and an outdoor grassed area and sound shell.
The new centre will provide a platform for a range of opportunities in the community, culture, arts and business sectors.
Business events, conferences and trade shows at the facility are expected to deliver an economic return to the community.
A range of professional performing arts, commercial cinema, festivals and major touring shows will also be hosted at the Margaret River HEART.
Coming up is the inaugural Strings Attached: The West Australian Guitar Festival from October 11-13, 2019, as well as the Emergence Creative Festival between March 25-27, 2020.
Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Margaret River has long been a popular place to holiday: now it's set to further capitalise on its appeal by positioning itself as a destination for business tourism.
"Our government's $5 million investment has created a modern, innovative hub for Margaret River, opening up new opportunities as a venue for the community, culture, arts and business sectors.
"The McGowan Government's commitment to local content on State Government-funded projects has been put into action in Margaret River, with local workers and businesses engaged on the HEART project."
Comments attributed to Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"This is a great facility that will add to the social fabric of the town by giving locals a chance to pursue their interests in culture, arts and entertainment for many years to come.
"We'll soon hear the sounds of guitars strumming through the Margaret River HEART, with the venue chosen to stage a number of events for the inaugural Strings Attached: The West Australian Guitar Festival.
"Events being held at the HEART as part of this festival include workshops which will no doubt attract creative professionals, aspiring musicians and enthusiasts."
Comments attributed to South West Region MLC Adele Farina:
"Margaret River has always been known for its vibrant and diverse arts and cultural activities and the opening of the renovated Margaret River HEART will provide a great venue for these activities into the future.
"Being involved with the project from its inception it is wonderful to see this modern hub become a reality, the Margaret River HEART will become a place for community members and visitors to come together to celebrate, collaborate and enjoy performing arts, events, festivals and major touring shows.
"It will also attract conferences and expos to the town providing a boost to the local economy.
"I look forward to attending events at the Margaret River Hub and would like to thank all involved in making this project a reality.
"The Margaret River Hub is an impressive facility which will serve the Margaret River community and visitors long into the future."
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6200
Culture and the Arts Minister's office - 6552 5400
