Council endorses new Busselton Cultural Precinct Strategy

MEDIA RELEASE 27 June 2023

City of Busselton councillors have endorsed a new vision for the Busselton Cultural Precinct. The endorsed strategy identifies key focus areas, including developing heritage tourism, improving accessibility, and delivering an engaging education program based on local history.

The precinct runs along Queen Street, between Adelaide Street and Marine Terrace and is home to some of Western Australia's oldest buildings, including the Old Courthouse and Police Complex, Old Busselton Gaol, the former Artgeo Gallery, The Weld Theatre and Stables Artist Studios.

The development of the new Saltwater multi-purpose facility, including a gallery, performance space and convention centre, will significantly increase visitation and the potential for the precinct to become a tourism destination with a unique offering attracting local, national and international visitors.

The precinct is already a bustling hive of activity with over 30,000 visitors annually, hosting dozens of art exhibitions by local artists, selling thousands of locally made products in the gift shop and hosting more than 100 creative workshops every year.

Mayor Grant Henley said "The Busselton Cultural Precinct has always been and will continue to be a hub for local artists and a drawcard for locals and visitors to our City. This strategy will help to grow visitation and activate the precinct spaces all year round, so that even more people can enjoy and benefit from these beautiful heritage buildings.”

“Soon, visitors will experience an immersive sound and video installation in the Old Gaol Cells, which brings to life the stories of characters from the past. Visitors of all ages will be entertained and moved by the stories they experience," said Sharon Custers, Venue Manager of the Cultural Precinct.

A copy of the strategy is available here.