MANDJAR Square is on track for a facelift with Mandurah Council giving the culture hub’s $1.7million redevelopment preliminary approval at Tuesday night’s meeting.
The public open space, between the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre (MPAC), Reading Cinemas and the boardwalk, requires upgrading as the infrastructure and landscape treatments have deteriorated since its development in 1997.
“It is something which has needed some attention for some time,” councillor Caroline Knight said.
“It is the heart of our cultural hub but as always, money has been an issue.”
The report, which was prepared by City officers and presented to council, said the redevelopment was in line with the strategic vision of creating a vibrant cultural, arts and entertainment space.
The proposed plan has been developed to facilitate staged implementation over the next one to three years.
The City has $250,000 allocated in the current financial year’s budget to contribute to the paving upgrade and an additional $250,000 is being sought through the Federal Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund.
A Royalties for Regions application for $1m has also been submitted and if the propsed plan is given final approval, additional funding will be sought by the City.
The Mandurah Mail reported on several dead trees in Mandjar Square last month and a spokesperson said “The City believes both species [of trees] are unsuitable for the area and an alternative replacement will be found”.
The proposed redevelopment plan includes the removal of these trees and will be replaced with new trees which will be located to maximise shade.
The replacement of paving and lighting, the reduction of the existing water feature in size or volume, the extension of the raised walkway, the introduction of centralised grassed areas, a small stage and a shelter between the ferry departure jetty and MPAC are also included in the draft plan.
The existing interactive artworks by local artist Gary Aitken – the heart, frame and view finder – will be retained.
Cr Don Pember said the only concern he had in regards to the proposed plan were the south-westerly winds which blew through the square “most nights” and asked whether something could be included in the planning process to help with this problem.
The redevelopment plan will be up for final approval at the next full council meeting.
