- Welcome Park to link Red Earth Arts Precinct with Karratha city centre
- Local Aboriginal art will be a key design feature
Karratha's new urban arts precinct will soon be connected with an art-inspired park, further enhancing the entrance to the city's revitalised town centre.
Welcome Park will complement the Red Earth Arts Precinct design, incorporating seasonal art installations that reflect the culture, history and essence of the region.
The project, managed by the City of Karratha, includes construction of a pedestrian bridge connecting the city centre with the recently completed precinct, as well as an overflow car park including long vehicle parking spaces suitable for caravans.
Works are due to get underway in February and the park is expected to open before the end of the year.
The construction of Welcome Park is the final component of the Red Earth Arts Precinct project, which received $14 million from the State Government.
The Red Earth Arts Precinct was also supported with funding from the Australian Government's National Stronger Regions Fund, the Woodside-operated North West Shelf Project, Rio Tinto, Lotterywest and the City of Karratha.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The park and pedestrian bridge will deliver real benefits to the community and visitors to Karratha by capitalising on the potential of undeveloped land in the city centre.
"Welcome Park will incorporate traditional Aboriginal design with native plantings and reflective spaces; a fabulous addition to the North-West's premier entertainment venue.
"Thanks to Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel for his advocacy for this final piece of the arts precinct, and to the City of Karratha for their critical role in bringing this project to completion."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"Welcome Park is the final stage of the Red Earth Arts Precinct that will be enjoyed by local families and visitors to Karratha for many years to come.
"It will attract more people to Karratha's city centre where they can enjoy first-class entertainment, shopping, and upmarket cafes and restaurants, providing a boost for local business.
"I'm pleased construction of the park will place a key focus on local content to maximise the benefits of the investment for Pilbara businesses and contractors."
