Roundhouse blow: Be Our Guest opts not to proceed with project

THE Collie Roundhouse development has ground to a halt after the withdrawal of Be Our Guest Holdings from the project.
While the development was touted as a “unique vision” to transform the area into “a vibrant public and commercial space” upon its announcement in 2021, updates in the following years have been few and far between.
After recently being approached by the Bulletin, the South West Development Commission (SWDC) confirmed via a State Government spokesperson that Be Our Guest’s funding application was “closed out in August”.
Under the development’s original vision, a joint venture was proposed between private enterprise and government to reactivate the roundhouse building and precinct.
Be Our Guest was selected by the National Trust of Western Australia as the preferred proponent to lease the roundhouse.
National Trust chief executive officer Julian Donaldson stated at the time that Be Our Guest, owner of the Dome cafe brand, had presented an “inspired vision that respects the heritage values of the site”.
Mr Donaldson said the proposal presented Collie with “a tremendous opportunity to leverage its remarkable tourism potential”.
However, the government spokesperson said a “financially viable project” had not eventuated.
“Since 2021, significant work has been undertaken, leading to the development of a comprehensive masterplan in late 2024,” the spokesperson said.
“While the vision for revitalisation remains strong, economic conditions over the past four years have shifted, impacting project considerations.
“The application will not progress to the next stage.”
It was advised upon the development’s announcement that the government would invest $1 million via the National Trust for remediation works.
The spokesperson confirmed that Be Our Guest submitted an initial funding application, however, as the project did not progress to approval, no funding was released.
Development of the $180,000 masterplan was jointly funded by the government through the National Trust, supported by Collie Futures Industry Development Fund funding, Tourism WA and Be Our Guest, the spokesperson said.
When asked if the masterplan could be harnessed by other potential proponents, the spokesperson told the Bulletin the National Trust and Be Our Guest “worked together” on its development.
The National Trust referred the Bulletin to the SWDC for comment.
“Funding remains available from the Collie Industry Attraction and Development Fund to support suitable large-scale initiatives or projects which support the diversification of the local economy and sustainable job creation in Collie,” the spokesperson said.
Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns said she will continue working with government agencies to “explore opportunities for this much-loved building”.
“The Collie Roundhouse is a visual reminder of the role of our community, its workers and industries that built our state,” Mrs Hanns said.
“Like many others in our community, I’d love to see the Collie Roundhouse find a new purpose.”