Visitors to Northam, 100 kilometres north east of Perth, will soon have a new Information and Activity Centre to greet them. Construction of the new Regional Visitor and Heritage Centre on the banks of the Avon River is well under way and expected to be completed by July.
Situated in the heart of Northam, the Centre is expected to provide a significant boost to local tourism and the regional economy. It includes an exhibition room, meeting room, restaurant, rest rooms and decking over the river suitable for outdoor dining.
“This is one of the most exciting projects to be undertaken by the community of Northam,” said Don Burnett, Council’s Chief Executive Officer.
Planning and designing the Centre involved extensive community consultation. The Working Committee for this project included community representatives. The concept plans were displayed in the local shopping centre inviting further ideas and responses. The Centre’s location on the banks of the Avon River provides a scenic and tranquil setting for both day trippers from Perth and interstate and international travellers.
Visitors come to enjoy picnics on the Avon River, visit the many local heritage buildings and museums in the district and view the only colony of wild white swans in Australia. While the Town of Northam is solely responsible for the building of the new Centre, spin offs from its operation are expected for neighbouring Councils.
The Centre’s river location, required innovative engineering. Consultation with the Waters and Rivers Commission and Avon River Management Authority before plans were finalised, ensured the building’s immunity from the one in a Hundred Year Flood Level.
Construction involves a unique design which has the building erected on piers using lightweight materials and colorbond. Council provided $350,000 of the funding, with the remaining $480,000 provided through Government grants and self supporting loans.
For further information contact Don Burnett, telephone (096) 22 1466.
