- $5 million grant for the development of Geraldton's West End Precinct
- Grant funding provided through the WA Government's Investment Attraction Fund
- Geraldton's West End Precinct will be a multifaceted attraction allowing tourists to experience the best of the Mid-West
The McGowan Government is continuing to increase investment and economic development in the Mid-West, committing $5 million to the development of Geraldton's West End Precinct.
The grant has been approved in the first round of the Western Australian Government's $285 Investment Attraction Fund.
Speaking at a State Budget Breakfast hosted by the Mid West Development Commission, Deputy Premier Roger Cook said the West End Precinct will be a multifaceted attraction that showcases the best of what the region has to offer, including the creative arts, Indigenous culture, and local food and beverage.
A tourism, cultural, creative and historical development in the heart of Geraldton, it is estimated the project will unlock approximately $16 million in capital investment, create more than 130 full time direct and indirect jobs and incentivise further investment and development opportunities in the region.
Stage one will include revitalising the Geraldton Radio Theatre, which will provide a space for the creation and celebration of regional talent, including Aboriginal art and cultural exhibitions, stage shows and comedy nights.
The first stage will also include a providore retail space showcasing fresh regional produce and seafood, a family-friendly food and beverage venue, and reroofing the headspace Geraldton building, which will provide approximately 400sqm of office/function room space.
Burt Cooper Pty Ltd, which has been involved in several WA heritage developments, successfully applied for the IAF grant.
Launched in March 2022, the Investment Attraction Fund aims to encourage new investment that will create local jobs, increase demand for local goods and services, and secure trade in new sectors and with new markets.
WA Government financial contributions are governed by the execution of a Financial Assistance Agreement.
As stated by State Development, Jobs and Trade and Tourism Minister Roger Cook:
"Through our $285 million Investment Attraction Fund, we are committing $5 million to the development of Geraldton's West End Precinct.
"The development of Geraldton's West End Precinct will revitalise the city centre, transforming the iconic Geraldton Radio Theatre into the centrepiece of a vibrant precinct.
"This is the first of many exciting projects we will be supporting through the Investment Attraction Fund, which we established to make sure WA capitalises on our comparative advantages, builds on our thriving innovation system, and delivers the jobs of the future for Western Australians."
Comments attributed Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:
"The redevelopment of the iconic Geraldton Radio Theatre will be a State-significant project enlivening Geraldton's West End, encouraging tourists to Geraldton and building capacity in our local creative industry.
"This redevelopment will create considerable jobs in hospitality, theatre, and events management, industries which were severely impacted by COVID-19."
