Published on Thursday, 28 April 2022 at 4:22:00 PM

A community hub of the future providing an engine room for collaboration, connection and innovation while showcasing the potential for leading sustainable timber construction was the brief provided to designers of the new Shire of Dardanup Library, Administration and Community Building.

The contractors Perkins Builders and Peter Hobbs Architects & Advanced Timber Studios have completed an 80 per cent detailed design which was presented to Council’s meeting last night and the green light was given for proceeding to finalising contract pricing for the building.

Council can now reveal the new Shire of Dardanup Community Hub – comprising Library, Council Chambers, Administration Centre, Makerspace plus mixed-use of community spaces – is a modern two-storey, L-shaped building clad predominantly in stringy bark with charred jarrah timber as accents. This will be a landmark demonstration building for the Shire as a mass timber structure made with Laminated Veneer Lumber columns and beams, timber floor cassettes and light timber framing.

Its L-shape will allow for a formal civic courtyard space, accessible from the Library and Council Chambers.

Designs are expected to be complete by July with construction scheduled to begin during spring, 2022.

Dardanup Shire President Mick Bennett said the chance to share with the community more detail on what the iconic new facility would look like was an exciting step.

“Our new building will provide a fantastic focal point in the centre of Eaton and become a truly unique social asset,” Cr Bennett said.

“It will be a vibrant gathering place for community members and a catalyst for economic growth by creating new jobs and attracting business investment.”

The new building is expected to cost approximately $16 million and will be funded via:

• $5m from reserves (previous land transactions and savings over time);
• $6m from borrowings (new loan from State government); and
• $5m from proceeds of Citygate land sale.

Council is also actively pursuing grants to assist with funding of the building with the aim to reduce the need for reserve funds and/or borrowings.

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