What services do you want in the CBD?

As Council considers which of its services could be offered out of the proposed new library and community hub, it is also working to find solutions to retain the Police in the city's CBD.

In mid-2018 local Police received $16.2 million in Government funding to construct a new station elsewhere in the city - a move that will also free up the current Police site for extra parking alongside the new library.

However Mayor Darriea Turley said Council remained committed to revitalising the CBD, and expressed concern around a major service such as the Police being lost from Argent Street.

"At a meeting last night we voted to put the library project's draft Cultural Framework out for community engagement, and within that document it considers the possible relocation of both Council and non-Council community services in and around the new facility," she said.

"If the Police were to leave the CBD, then that's 65-100 people who will no longer be buying coffee, meals, magazines, and other day-to-day items along the main street on a daily basis.

"That would result in a significant loss for Argent Street, so we've been investigating how we can deliver the community's new library, whilst retaining the Police in or around the CBD."

Council's General Manager, James Roncon, said Council would look at which of its own services could possibly be co-located with the library service in the new facility to free up a central site for the Police to consider.

"We're certainly considering which of our assets and operations could be shuffled to keep the Police in the heart of the city, but we also have to consider any potential impact to our own services and tenants.

"In relation to the revitalisation of Argent Street, we'd love to have some visitor services incorporated into the new facility to draw tourists into our CBD.

“But it’s not entirely up to us, so we’ll hold further discussions with our tenants and staff, and also seek feedback from the community during the current engagement process around the draft Cultural Framework.”

The draft Cultural Framework and an accompanying survey are currently available on Council's website for those wishing to have a say on the possible co-location of Council services in and around the new library facility.

The survey can be found online, and hard copies are available from the library and Council's Administrative Centre in Blende Street.

An FAQ with a direct link to the draft Cultural Framework is also available.

Those who would prefer to discuss the plan with Council staff or the project's architects, Neeson Murcutt, are invited to attend a community engagement open day at the Civic Centre from 5pm on February 11.

A free BBQ will be provided, and cold drinks will be available.

Co-location survey

Draft Cultural Framework

Cultural Strategy FAQ

Pictured: Pilbara Arts Centre, Officer Woods Architects, Image: Robert Firth