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Welcome to the Shire of MERREDIN

CBD Revitalisation

 

Pioneer Park Update 

This week, Stage One works have commenced on the Merredin CBD Revitalisation project, which has been planned since 2008.

Construction has started at Pioneer Park which will act as a gateway into Merredin’s CBD, drawing people from Great Eastern Highway into town. Pioneer Park will have new car parking, recreation spaces, and landscaping created.

The Pioneer Park redevelopment will be followed by the revitalisation of Merredin Town Square and Apex Park. Merredin Town Square will be transformed into a large outdoor event space and a space for the community to connect and tourists to explore. Apex Park will become a multi-generational play and recreation area for families and young people.

To complete the works, the Shire have secured $2,139,309 in funding from the Federal Government through the Building Better Regions Fund, as well as $473,000 through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

The project is expected to create local jobs and increase tourism in Merredin. An independent economic study has estimated the project will deliver an extra $7.9 million through our local economy over the next 20 years.

 

Fast facts:

What the project will deliver:

The aim of the CBD redevelopment is to:

  • Provide the Merredin CBD with an individual, natural identity;
  • Provide the community with quality infrastructure and facilities;
  • Improve the walkability of the town and promote community connectedness;
  • Enhance key site-lines enticing passing tourists into the town centre;
  • Promote Merredin as a cultural precinct and retail hub; and
  • Support economic development in the region.

This project is expected to deliver great results for the Merredin economy. An independent economic study of the plans has shown:

  • The revitalisation of this area with strengthened connections and visibility from the Highway will increase the use of the CBD by 30%.
  • The number of road users stopping in town is expected to increase by 11,000 people each year, spending an additional $430,000 per year in local businesses, and creating 9 new ongoing full-time jobs.
  • The value of the construction and increased use of the CBD for Merredin businesses has been estimated to be $7.9 million over the next 20 years.
  • During construction, the project will inject $4.2 million into the local economy over the one-year build, creating 14 full-time (FTE) direct jobs and indirectly stimulating up to 30 jobs in the broader local economy.

Construction works in Stage One:

  • Stage One is the redevelopment of the Town Square and Pioneer Park, which will bring people together by connecting entertainment and recreational spaces to Merredin’s main street, and other tourist attractions including the Railway and Military Museums.
  • Stage One has commenced at Pioneer Park, and is expected to be completed within 6 months.
  • Pioneer Park will see a new entry way created into the CBD, with new car parking, recreation spaces and landscaping. The current drainage will also be upgraded to a ‘living stream’ allowing gravel and mulch to be installed over the top. The plan for Pioneer Park is shown below.
  • The bronze ‘Horse at Work’ sculpture will be protected during the construction works, before be moved into its new position within the park.
  • The truck pull-in bay located in front of the water tower will be shorted by 30 meters, allowing for safe access to the Pioneer Park carpark for both vehicles and pedestrians.
  • The Water Tower is not part of this Stage, and the Shire is still in discussions with the Public Transport Authority on the next steps for this iconic structure.
  • Town Square is the heart of the town, and construction will commence in late 2022/early 2023. The town square will see a vibrant central events and play space created, along with new toilet facilities. As part of the redevelopment, the Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre will be relocated to a site that is appropriate and easily accessible to tourists. The plan for Town Square is currently being amended, and the revised version will be posted here soon.
  • New toilet facilities will allow for easier access from the shopping strip, and will include unisex toilets to ensure access and inclusion for all.
  • When construction on Town Square commences, a detailed traffic management plan will be in place as the Barrack Street / Bates Street intersection is temporarily closed.
  • There will be no permanent road closure of either Barrack Street or Bates Street, however, the access road between carparks at the rear of the existing Visitor Centre will be closed permanently.

 

Pioneer Park Redevelopment Plan

 Pioneer Park