¶ THERE is no update on the progress of the Collie Roundhouse development amid the emergence of a proposal to co-locate the Coalfields Museum and Historical Research Centre with the Collie Visitor Centre.
As reported by the Bulletin last week, at their July meeting Collie Shire councillors gave the green light for the shire to assist with determining the feasibility of the museum moving to co-locate with the centre.
Plans to re-activate the Collie Roundhouse building and precinct were unveiled in 2021.
It was proposed at the time that the development could extend to the visitor centre site.
Both the museum move and roundhouse development could be undertaken in close proximity, although with both projects still in the planning stages it is unclear how this would unfold.
South West Development Commission (SWDC) chief executive officer Cate Brooks told the Bulletin the SWDC is “aware of the museum’s proposal to co-locate the museum with the Collie Visitor Centre”.
“The SWDC understands that any potential relocation of the museum is still in the planning stage and the shire will consider all factors as planning progresses further,” Ms Brooks said.
Shire chief executive officer Phil Anastasakis will work with the museum and the centre, and a report will be presented to council before the end of the year.
Ms Brooks told the Bulletin there is no further update on the roundhouse development “at this stage”.
The Bulletin was previously told an update on the development, headed up by Be Our Guest Holdings, owner of the Dome cafe brand, was “expected” by the end of the financial year.
It is unclear when a masterplan for the development will be finalised.