The Shire of Donnybrook – Balingup, Western Australia, recently completed restoration works on the Old Uniting Church giving the building a second life as the Shire’s new Council Chamber.
The church, circa 1900, adjoins the existing Shire administration building and has very high heritage, cultural and social significance for the local community.
Minister for Seniors and Ageing; Volunteering; Sport and Recreation, Hon. Michael (Mick) Murray MLA, attended the official opening on the 28th March 2018.
As well as having unique architectural features the church is constructed out of Donnybrook Stone, which has been used in many significant state government buildings including the Parliament House of Western Australia.
The church and land was purchased in 2012 for the purpose of expanding the Shire’s administration offices, however the building was in poor condition and in desperate need of renewal.
The project is an excellent example of a historic building with a high local significance being adapted for an important contemporary civic use.
This project aligns with good asset management principles where capital expenditure is used for renewal of existing assets that will improve the Shire’s asset ratios.
The Shire believes that this project is the first of its kind in Australia where a Church with heritage significance has been adapted for use for a council chamber.
