Merredin CBD Redevelopment
This page was last updated on 9 August 2024
The Redevelopment of the Merredin CBD has been on the 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 Town Centre, Apex Park and Pioneer Park including the Water Tower.
To complete the works, the Shire have secured $2,139,309 in funding from the Federal Government through the Building Better Regions Fund, over $2 million dollars through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, as well as $2.1 million from Lotterywest.
Apex Park | Danjoo Waabininy Boodja
Apex Park has been transformed into a multi-generational play and recreation area for families and young people. Works on the park were completed in August 2024, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony taking place on Wednesday, 7 August 2024.
The Apex Park | Danjoo Waabininy Boodja space celebrate's Merredin’s unique environment and natural history, which is displayed through the selection of vegetation, play elements, and other materials.
The upgrades to the space included a rebuild of 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 park contains 2 BBQs, 2 drinking fountains, and 3 picnic shelters
- There is a power bollard accessible to the community for events
Please note, there is a slight delay in painting the small, repaired area at the basketball court. The work was scheduled for Monday, 21 October 2024; we are working though this as a matter of urgency and will keep you updated.
Apex Park | Danjoo Waabininy Boodja Completed
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 Update
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.
Other Information
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:
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Apex Park
Q) When will power be Available in the park?
It is expected that the electricity will be connected in September 2024.
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.
Q) Will there be CCTV installed?
There will be no new CCTV installed as part of the project, however, existing CCTV will be reinstated upon completion of the park.
Q) What happened to the Recycling Ram?
The Ram has been safely stored with the intent to re-install the Ram in a suitable location within the Merredin Shire.
Town Centre
Q) When will the Town Centre revitalisation be completed?
The revitalisation of the Merredin Town Centre is scheduled to be completed in August 2024.
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.
Funding Bodies and Major Supporters
