Component summary
The transformational redevelopment of the Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park (MTHP) precinct includes the following:
Creation of a new entry point and café building;
Relocation and upgrade of the existing Timber Museum;
Inclusion and integration of the South West Energy Experience (State energy heritage collection supplied by South West Development Commission as a contribution to the project);
Conferencing facilities;
Function facilities;
Agricultural static display areas;
Indigenous exhibit area;
Historical and cultural static and dynamic display areas;
Community garden;
Recreational facilities;
Landscaping works; and
A range of infrastructure improvements.
Updates
The latest stakeholder update can be viewed here.
The following projects are part of this component.:
State Timber Museum
The project is complete and the State Timber Museum was officially re-opened to the public on 9 August 2018 by the Hon. Paul Omodei, Manjimup Shire President.
Community Volunteer Hub
The Old Saw Mill Display has been converted into a new Community Volunteer Hub. Designed by Bachos Building Design with the construction tender awarded to James Ryan Builder. The build is complete and the workshop fit out is underway.
The building was officially opened by the Hon Adele Farina MLA on 20 April 2018.
A LotteryWest Grant was been secured for the fit out.
Hamlet Access Ramps
The historic hamlet accessibility project was extended to the Doctor’s Surgery and Settler’s Cottage – this project is now complete, and was officially opened on 20 April 2018.
Hamlet Extension - Blacksmith Shop
Designed by D'Entrecasteaux Drafting and Design. build completed by James Ryan Builders, practical completion has been reached. Interpretive design and fit out awarded to Creative Spaces. Procurement of exhibition fit out has commenced.
Hamlet Extension - Agricultural Display
Designed by D'Entrecasteaux Drafting and Design.
Construction commenced late November 2017.
Practical completion has been reached. Procurement of exhibition fit out has commenced.
Sandra Donovan Sound Shell
The Sandra Donovan Sound Shell was completed in February 2018. An opening ceremony and concert was held on Friday 20 April 2018 at which the sound shell was officially opened by the Hon Adele Farina MLA.
Rail and Relics
The Manjimup Men’s Shed have commenced restoration works on the rail carriages.
Sandblasting and repainting of the locomotive and steam hauler (Willamette) is complete.
The locomotive and steam hauler have been relocated to their new position on the disused rail corridor.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) are donating some logs and earth works to complete the log landing formation.
A masterplan is underway incorporating new rail displays, paths and drainage.
These works will be completed following the completion of the works on the Graphite and Perup Roads realignment.
Security
A series of CCTV cameras are being installed accross the park, with direct linkage to the Manjimup Police Station.
Furniture
The Shire have purchased a number of new bench seats and bins to furnish across the park including a new fully accessible barbeque area.
Interpretation Plan
A signage and interpretatiion plan has been completed.
Roads and Paths
Concept landscape plan for entire park completed. Staged implementation to continue to December 2019.
New service access road complete.
Main access path works will be completed over the coming months.
New accessible pathway and boardwalk to hamlet buildings completed.
Drainage Plan has been prepared.
Wellness and Respite Community Centre
Architectural design completed in 2016. Construction contract awarded to TDC 2017.
Practial completion issued on Friday 20 April 2018.
Manjimup Home and Community Care have moved into the new building.
Landscaping complete.
South West Energy Experience (SWEE)
The South West Energy Experience (SWEE) is a multipurpose facility which incorporates a new bespoke museum, café and visitor servicing centre. It is a core component of the revitalisation of Manjimup's town centre, contributing to the transformation of the Manjimup Heritage Park into a regional tourism precinct and central community hub. The location and the unique contemporary design of the building will become the new gateway to Manjimup, enticing visitors to the Park and further into the centre of Manjimup.
The museum will showcase the heritage of energy (past, present and future) inclusive of the Western Australia World of Energy collection, through modern exhibitions, engaging displays and interactive building features. The museum will encompass educational and interpretative experiences sought by local, regional, national and international visitors alike. The café will replace the existing aged café in the park and the visitor servicing centre will be a new point of contact for visitors to the park, town and greater region.
The tender for construction has been awarded to Civilcon. Site works commenced on 29 October 2018 and will continue until late 2019 with an expected opening in December 2019. A sod turning ceremony was held on 5th November 2018.
The pad has been poured and some large pieces of the collection have been placed, the construction has continued around these pieces as they are too big to move in once the building is complete.
Framing is up and the roof is now on and the brickwork complete.
Internal fit out has commenced.
Exhibition graphics are being prepared and a consultant has been engaged for multi-media and interactive development.
Procurement has commenced for plinths and furniture.
Stage one
The new adventure playground was opened for play, just in time for the September 2013 school holidays.
The playground has been designed to be used by children of all ages with varying levels of ability. The equipment features custom made structures such as a large climbing net, 40m double cable flying fox, water play, cubbies, slides, rides and sculptures of our local animals.
There is also outdoor gym equipment, barbecues and picnic spots, so families can enjoy a complete recreational experience.
The most recent addition to the park is a 17 metre high lookout, with a giant tubular slide exiting from 11 metres high. The lookout is in line with the old decommissioned fire tower, also located at the park, and offers 360 degree views of the surrounding area.
History House was completed and handed over to the Manjimup Historical Society in October 2013.
The acquisition of a commercial property abutting the park was completed in late 2013 and all buildings were subsequently removed. This area will be integrated into the park as part of the linkage to South Western Highway. See component one for further information including details of the closure of a portion of Giblett Street which will be incorporated into the park and the creation of a new northern town site access which will make the MTHP the entry statement.
Stage two
This component is due for completion by December 2019, the final component to be completed for stage two which will see the MTHP precinct transformed into a unique multipurpose attraction. This component also requires partner funding from both the State and Federal Government, as well as a substantial financial contribution from the Shire.
Currently, the various elements of this project, detailed below, are underway or complete, with efforts being focused on the development of interpretive plans for various displays that will be included in the MTHP and applications for further funding
- The construction and fit out of the South West Energy Experience (formerly the World of Energy collection);
- Roads, drainage and pathways;
- Landscaping, services, lighting and interpretation;
- Existing building refurbishment;
- Sound shell; and
- Conferencing facilities.
Pictured above: The new ramps in the Historic Hamlet, the Sandra Donovan Sound Shell, the Wellness and Respite Community Centre and part of the relocated rail relic display.