Building starts at the $27.2m Cowes Cultural Centre

THE rain poured and poured last Thursday but just when Bass MP Jordan Crugnale, Mayor Cr Michael Whelan and Dean Robbins, representing the builders McCorkell Constructions, were ready to get the show on the road – the sun came out.

It was a ceremonial ‘turning of the first sod’ to start construction of the $27.2 million Cowes Cultural Centre, and with Cr Whelan promising the facility would be finished in April 2023, the builders will be hoping they get similar luck with the weather over the next 15 months.

“We’ll start by setting up the accommodation and preparing the foundations, with the concrete coming in a few weeks’ time,” said project manager Ross Clavarino.

Ms Crugnale was representing the State Government which has contributed $3.3 million, plus a $10m low-interest loan from its Community Infrastructure Loan Scheme.

There’s $5 million from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund and the remaining $8.9 million from the shire’s ratepayers.

“We’re here today to celebrate the turning of the first sod to start the construction of the Cowes Cultural Centre, a wonderful project,” said the Mayor Cr Whelan while also acknowledging the traditional owners of the land.

“It’s a great day today. We’ve got three levels of government supporting this project and I really thank the state government for its contribution from the Growing Suburbs Fund, the library fund and also the low-interest loan facility, which is excellent.

“Russell Broadbent, our local federal member, can’t be here today, but the contribution of $5 million from the federal government is really appreciated.”

Cr Whelan invited Bass MP Jordan Crugnale to say a few words:

“It’s good to be here as always but it’s been a long time coming, the Cowes Cultural Centre and this is where we have a partnership between local, state and federal government, and it’s all for community, which always sits at the centre of everything that we do,” said Ms Crugnale.

“I think the footings all start next week and a special thank you to the builders and architects and everyone that have been involved.

“We’re really proud to have funded this magnificent project… there’s going to be a 250-seat theatre, library, gallery, function centre, spaces for the local genealogical and historical societies and so many other community activities and events - real focal point for Cowes and it complements everything else that is happening in our local area as well.”

Thursday was an important day all round.

Construction started on two of the Bass Coast Shire Council’s major projects, the Cowes Cultural Centre and Wonthaggi’s Guide Park developments which included a regional scale play-space for all ages and abilities.

There was also the announcement of $3 million towards the $7.7 million pathway between Inverloch and
Wonthaggi.