15/9/06
Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne Minister Jon Ford today announced in Port Hedland $250,000 towards refurbishing the internal environment of the Port Hedland Visitor Centre.
The Minister said the funding has been allocated to the visitor centre committee for the upgrade which is part of a larger project to develop a landscaped cultural precinct in the Port Hedland CBD to attract more tourists and local people into the historic heart of the town.
"The town of Port Hedland was gazetted in 1896 and the townsite has been around for more than 100 years and is regarded as the cultural and heritage hub of the town," Mr Ford said.
"At a total cost of $1.2million, the precinct project amounts to a very significant asset for the Town of Port Hedland and will enhance the community's experience and interaction with the arts.
"The project will also add to the growing list of improvements to the town amenity that will provide visitors with an appreciation of the depth of character of Port Hedland."
The creation of the cultural precinct includes the refurbishment of the Courthouse Gallery on Edgar Street, the visitor centre upgrade and complementary landscaping, greening and gardens to draw the two attractions together.
Other funding for the project is being provided by BHP Billiton Iron Ore and the Town of Port Hedland.
Town of Port Hedland Mayor Cr Stan Martin said the project would result in the creation of a new cultural zone and help develop the town's cultural tourism appeal.
"The idea is to improve both facilities and to add extensive landscaping with public artwork, signage and an external space that links the Art Gallery and Visitor Centre," Cr Martin said.
The cultural precinct development, which will commence this month, will complement other Port Hedland Enhancement Scheme projects, including the recent upgrade of the Port Hedland Cultural and Heritage Trail and the Port Hedland Downtown Cleaning program to remove accumulated dust from buildings in the CBD.
For further information on this project, please contact Ms Trish Barron at the Pilbara Development Commission on (08) 9173 8400.
Minister's office - 9213 7200
