Apex Park

Apex Park will transform into a multi-generational play and recreation area for families and young people, with construction to commence in early 2024.

The Apex Park space will celebrate Merredin’s unique environment and natural history, which will be displayed through the selection of vegetation, play elements, and other materials.

The revitalisation of Apex Park will include extensions to the skate park, a new half court, and a number of new play elements such as a flying fox and slide tower.

Other Apex Park Information

• The majority of the existing fencing structure surrounding Apex Park will remain in place.
• All mature healthy native trees will be retained where possible, with new native tress to also be planted.
• The area will cater for a wide range of people and events, with the inclusion of a public use barbeque and drinking fountain.

Apex Park Concept Design

Please note, this is a concept design ONLY and is subject to change. This concept is used to depict the main inclusions in Apex Park and the overall site layout. There will be minor changes throughout the detailed design stage, including the selection of materials and play equipment and their corresponding locations.

Town Centre

Merredin Town Centre is the heart of the town, and construction will commence in early 2024.

The Town Centre will be transformed to cater for large outdoor events, while also providing a space for the community to connect and tourists to explore.

Other upgrades will include an event structure, a small nature play space, and new toilet facilities.

As part of the revitalisation, the Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre will be relocated to a site that is appropriate and easily accessible to tourists. 

Other Town Centre Information:

• 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 Centre 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.

Town Centre Concept Design

Please note, this is a concept design ONLY and is subject to change. This concept is used to depict inclusions in the Town Square and the overall site layout.

Pioneer Park and Water Tower

Pioneer Park

Pioneer Park is the new gateway into Merredin’s CBD, drawing people from Great Eastern Highway into town. Pioneer Park upgrades include new car parking, recreation spaces, and landscaping. As part of this project, a mega flow drainage system was also installed, further opening up the space.

Pioneer Park construction works commenced in May 2022, and were completed in October 2022, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, 28 October 2022.

Other Pioneer Park Information;

• The bronze ‘Horse at Work’ sculpture was 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 was shorted by 30 meters, allowing for safe access to the Pioneer Park carpark for both vehicles and pedestrians
• Over $500k has been secured from PTA and further funding from WDC for the conservation of the Merredin Water Tower. Works are expected to commence in early 2024.

Water Tower

The Shire is excited to announce the commencement of restoration works on the Merredin Water Tower, with the installation of scaffolding to start next Monday, 15 April 2024.

These works will include improving the structural integrity of both the wooden tower and its metal tank, while ensuring minimal impact to, and preservation of, the aesthetic of the tower in order to maintain historical accuracy.

The restoration works will take approximately 3-4 months to complete.

Shire President Mark McKenzie expressed his enthusiasm for the commencement of this project, which has been in development for five years.

“We would like to extend our gratitude to the Public Transport Authority and the Wheatbelt Development Commission for their financial support, to allow us to save the Merredin Water Tower, which has become an icon of not only Merredin, but of the Wheatbelt,” he said.

During the works, some areas of Pioneer Park will be temporarily closed to the public. However, access to the park and the adjacent museums will be maintained.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact the Shire of Merredin on 9041 1611.

Economic Benefits

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

Aim of the CBD Redevelopment

The aim of the CBD redevelopment is to:

Frequently Asked Questions

Apex Park

Q) Are the toilets part of the scope of works?

Due to the Shire being able to secure additional funding, the toilets will now be upgraded as part of the works. The toilets will be located in the same space as the previous block.

Q) Will the entire skatepark be replaced?

As the Shire has been able to secure the required grant funding through Lotterywest, the skate park will now undergo a full replacement. A brand new 600m2 skatepark which will include a full bowl, half pipe, and a learn to skate area, amongst other exciting elements, is planned.

Q) Will there entire park be fenced?

Yes, the existing fence will be retained as part of the works.

Q) Will the old equipment be relocated?

Unfortunately, the majority of play equipment that is being removed from Apex Park as part of the revitalisation works is in poor condition and no longer meets Australian Standards and therefore cannot be relocated to another area.

The Shire will continue to assess the condition of the remaining play equipment as it is removed, and should any be found to be in a suitable condition that meets the required standards, we will explore opportunities for relocation. Parts from the equipment that are in good condition may be used as replacement parts for some other existing equipment in other areas.

Town Centre

Q) Will there be power provided within the Town Centre that is accessible during events?

There will be significant electrical and lighting upgrades as part of the works. This will include multiple power bollards which will cater for a range of events, from small market days to large scale outdoor concerts or events.

Q) Where will the Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre be relocated to?

The Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre is currently located within the Cummins Theatre while the Merredin Train Station is prepared as the new permanent location.

The Train Station was chosen due to its prime location within the CBD, the size of the space, and limited amount of modifications required, ensuring a quick setup for our team. Plus, it's perfectly situated for those hopping off the Prospector train, making it accessible for prospective visitors.

Q) Why is the road behind the Central Wheatbelt Visitor Centre being closed?

The road closure will improve safety for pedestrians accessing the Town Centre, Pioneer Park, the museums, and travelling between north and south Merredin. It will also allow for a vibrant community space that will cater for larger events, which has been identified as a long term priority by the community.

Q) Are public toilet facilities going to be available during the construction phase of the project?

There will be temporary toilet facilities available in the Barrack St western carpark, which is a short distance from the Town Centre and Apex Park. These facilities will include an all-access toilet and parenting facilities.

Q) What will happen to the time capsule during construction?

The Shire understands the important history of the time capsule and as such, it will be removed from the existing turf area in the town centre during construction to ensure it remains safe. The Shire will then display the time capsule at the Merredin Regional Library until it is due to be opened in 2029.

Q) Will the EV Highway chargers remain open during the works?

Yes, the chargers will be accessible to the community throughout the duration of the project.