- Heritage-listed former freight goods shed, within the Claremont train station precinct, opens as Perth's newest cultural landmark
A historic yet dilapidated freight building in Claremont has been given a new lease of life as a community cultural centre thanks to a collaborative effort between Liberal National Government agencies, local government and a not-for-profit group.
Officially opened today by Premier Colin Barnett, the Goods Shed, on the corner of Shenton Road and Claremont Crescent, will deliver space for exhibitions, workshops, artist residencies, cultural events, a community garden and a coffee shop.
Mr Barnett said the building's redevelopment was made possible through the collaborative efforts of not-for-profit arts group FORM, and the State Government's land development agency LandCorp, as well as the Public Transport Authority, Department of Lands, Lotterywest and the Town of Claremont.
"Goods sheds were once common but many have been lost because new uses were difficult to find for these types of basic structures," he said.
"However, this one has survived and remains an integral part of the State Registered Claremont Railway Station precinct, the earliest intact station precinct in Western Australia."
The project cost more than $1 million, with LandCorp contributing more than $600,000 to facilitate the restoration and fit-out of the repurposed building. Lotterywest provided a grant of $133,515 to support the construction of outdoor facilities on the grounds of the Goods Shed, including seating, shading, meeting spaces, paths and gardens.
Acting Lands Minister Mia Davies said the transformation of the building was the first stage in implementing the vision for LandCorp's broader Claremont on the Park development and would provide a new community amenity for new and long-term Claremont residents.
"FORM's creative vision has created a new cultural landmark in the Town of Claremont that will be a fantastic community asset," Ms Davies said.
"From master-classes to educational outreach programs for schools, The Goods Shed is set to be a centre of imagination and innovation."
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