- Kalgoorlie City Centre project officially opened at special event
- The project received $8 million funding from the State Government
The Kalgoorlie City Centre Project was officially opened by the Minister for Small Business Jackie Jarvis at a community celebration today.
The project which centres around St. Barbara’s Square in the centre of Kalgoorlie, has transformed the space into a vibrant hub for families, locals, businesses, and tourists.
The new features include a water play area inspired by the Goldfields landscape, a bespoke playground, event spaces and entertainment areas, alfresco dining, gardens, and accessible toilet facilities.
The square design represents Kalgoorlie’s history with a climbing structure shaped like a silky pear, symbolising the Karlkurla fruit from which Kalgoorlie’s name originates.
The statue of the Patron Saint of Miners, St. Barbara, was temporarily relocated to the Eastern Goldfields Miners Memorial at the Museum of the Goldfields during the project, and has recently been returned to the square ready for the official opening.
The project received $8 million funding from the State Government for the Economic Transformation of Kalgoorlie City Centre Project, with a matched contribution from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
“The long-awaited Kalgoorlie City Centre Project has refurbished St. Barbara Square to create a series of new community and visitor spaces, which will lead to revitalised user experiences.
“The project will provide a range of broad economic benefits through economic activation, attracting investment to the City, and has already provided significant opportunities for Aboriginal employment, and business participation during construction.”
As stated by Small Business Minister Jackie Jarvis:
“This exciting project has transformed the Kalgoorlie-Boulder city centre and delivered a vibrant, functional hub for both retail businesses and the community to thrive.
“The project will support existing and new businesses across a number of sectors through increased visitation, activation of public spaces and an improved visitor experience.”
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
“I am absolutely thrilled to finally see the opening of the Kalgoorlie City Centre project.
“It will completely rejuvenate the CBD – with the children’s playground and the First Nation’s art specific highlights.
“This is just the first stage of a project that will breathe new life into the city.
“I hope the community will love this as much as we do, and I look forward to the community open day on the 3rd of December.”
