WORK on the Albany Entertainment Centre will start within weeks.
Western Australian Premier Alan Carpenter made a one-hour visit to Albany yesterday to announce the $58 million contract had been awarded to Perth builder Doric Constructions.
After design, project management and other elements including public art are taken into account, the total cost will be $70m.
There was also good news with the $70m Albany Waterfront project back on track after the completion of all the approval processes for the marina.
This has enabled LandCorp to call for tenders for its construction.
“(AEC) construction will get under way in August,” he said.
“As well as being the focus for performing arts in the Great Southern, the entertainment centre will play a key role in reinvigorating the waterfront.”
The government is taking financial responsibility for the construction of the AEC, and is working in partnership with the City, and Great Southern Development Commission for its development.
The AEC will have a 620-seat auditorium that has been designed on two levels so it can be divided to allow for small shows of 250, a rehearsal space, cafe, function space and observation platform.
Mr Carpenter said the distinctive tapered triangular form was designed to complement views to and from the city.
“This will be a major attribute for Albany and the region,” he said. “It will become a major icon.”
After original ideas for a $15m convention centre in York Street, the whole concept changed to become a $40m entertainment centre as part of the Albany Waterfront project.
Mr Carpenter said the cost blow out to $58m was caused by a combination of increased site costs and the escalation of the price of building materials affecting the whole state.
Included was the need to use specific high-grade materials because of the close proximity to the water.
The zinc roof will be supported by pre-cast concrete walls with views provided by plenty of windows in its five sides.
“In 10 to 50 years time, when people talk about the cost it will be considered cheap,” he said.
“If you don’t do it now, it will never happen.”
The Premier said the AEC had been designed by architects Cox Howlett and Bailey Woodland in association with local architects Roberts Gardener.
“The distinctive tapered triangular form of the building was designed to complement views to and from the city and its surroundings,” he said.
“The AEC will be able to host major stage productions and the two-tier performance space will primarily be used for live theatre and music but also for conferences.”
Mr Carpenter rejected calls the money would be better spent on a new Albany Hospital.
He said the arts and health issues were two separate issues. The hospital had specific cost requirements.
“I will make sure we deliver an outstanding health facility here as well,” he said.
Albany MLA Peter Watson said the Albany Entertainment Centre would attract an array of first-class artists and performers to the city.
“Building and staffing of the new centre will also create up to 300 new jobs for the region,” Mr Watson said.
“This is a tremendous asset for Albany and will be a part of the vibrant and exciting waterfront development.”
Construction is expected to be under way by the end of August 2008, with completion expected in mid-2010.
Mr Carpenter said the State Government was investing a record $7.6billion into infrastructure projects in 2008-09 and more than $26billion over the next four years.
“The State Government is making decisions for the future needs of all Western Australians, wherever they live,” he said.
Albany mayor Milton Evans said the announcement of the AEC start was a defining moment that brought to a point the long hard work of many people in the community.
He thanked the government for its commitment and faith in the city.
“For a long, long time we have not received any significant infrastructure funding associated with the city of Albany,” he said.
“This is great for the culture, and the arts in Albany and this region.
“For the first time we will have an iconic building that will cater not only for theatre goers, but will cater for major conferences that we have had to turn away as a result of not having a venue that will seat more than 130 people at a dinner.
“This is going to be an answer for Albany its great for Albany’s future.
“The government is taking the financial risk on this and delivering it for Albany.”
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