Construction set to begin next month on hotly debated $38 million Busselton Performing Arts Centre

Construction is set to begin on a $38 million performing arts precinct in Busselton next month — meaning one of the most hotly debated infrastructure projects in the City’s history will soon become a reality. Set for completion in 2023, work on the new Busselton Performing Arts and Convention Centre will begin in February, after a monumental council decision in September confirmed the City would be pushing ahead with the project, despite concerns over a cost blowout. The construction tender was awarded to Broad Group Holdings in December after Council voted 5-4 in favour of the Perth-based company. That came just weeks before the City of Busselton was again forced to defend the project and confirmed it would forge ahead with construction, after Georgiana Molloy Anglican School revealed plans for a peforming arts centre of its own. The centre, which will be built on Queen Street within the City’s cultural precinct, will include a 625-seat auditorium, conference rooms and indoor event space, with a total capacity of 1000 guests. Busselton Performing Arts and Convention Centre spokeswoman Lisa Massey said in December she was thrilled to see construction going ahead. “I really think this is going to be a great thing for Busselton,” she said. “It will grow our culture and really improve our identity to the rest of the State.” The project sparked controversy when it was revealed its cost had blown out from $20 million to $38 million, with some residents calling on the City to instead prioritise the construction of the Australian Underwater Discovery Centre at the Busselton Jetty. Busselton Mayor Grant Henley and several councilors said it was unfortunate the two projects were perceived to be pitted against each other in an “us v them” scenario. The State Government has also refused to help fund the project, citing the City’s “strong financial position”.