Town ‘on track,’ seeing benefits of revitalisation

Expected to be completed at the end of next year, the Manjimup Town Centre Revitalisation project is well under way, with an increased number of visitors to the town already reported as a result of the works.

The project, aimed at developing a more liveable town for locals and a desirable place for tourists, is set to deliver a spate of new facilities to the area.

Shire of Manjimup president Paul Omodei said there had been positive feedback about the project from the community and visitors, with many more parts still to come.

“In terms of the roundabout, it isn’t quite finished yet, there are still some parts to be done,” he said.

As part of the overall project, an alfresco area will be created on Brockman Street with tenders for the solar powered roof due to go out soon.

Tenders will also be put out for the South West Energy Experience, to be built in the Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park.

Once completed, this facility will comprise a new museum, cafe, function space and visitor centre.

The installation of 50 CCTV cameras across town is also moving ahead, with the tenders for the contract set to be released soon.

Mr Omodei said significant works were being undertaken, with the overall project providing welcome changes to the town.

“I think people realise Manjimup has had a major facelift as a regional centre,” he said.

“The roundabout has been working really well so far at channelling people back into the town centre, where the highway virtually bypassed us for years.”

Plans for a new hotel in town are also progressing, with Mr Omodei telling The Times there had been interest shown in the development.

“We are expecting to release a marketing package later this year. And we have had interest in the site, with a tender going out at the next council meeting,” he said.

“There’s a lot to look at and it’s all on track.”