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Welcome to the Shire of MERREDIN

Merredin CBD Redevelopment

This page was last updated on 10 August, 2022 at 8.00pm

The Redevelopment of the Merredin CBD has been on Council’s agenda since 2008 and was a key priority in the 2012 – 2023 Strategic Community Plan (SCP). The project has again come into prominence in the 2020 – 2030 SCP, and based on extensive community consultation, the main areas of focus have been two major infrastructure projects. These projects are defined within the overall redevelopment staging program as Stage 1 (Pioneer Park and Merredin Town Centre) and Stage 2 (Apex Park).

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 over $1 million dollars through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

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

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 sight lines enticing passing tourists into the town centre

Promote Merredin as a cultural precinct and retail hub

Support economic development in the region

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, October 28.

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
The Water Tower was 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.

Pioneer Park Concept Design

Town Centre

Merredin Town Centre is the heart of the town, and construction will commence in late 2023.

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.

Apex Park

Apex Park will transform into a multi-generational play and recreation area for families and young people, with construction to commence in late 2023.

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.