A letter from the Mayor regarding the Civic Precinct consultation
Dear City of Subiaco resident,
February marks the final month of consultation on the concept design for the City’s new civic building and gardens. Following two extensions, the consultation period will have spanned a total of 3.5 months – ensuring that everyone wanting to share their views will have had time to do so.
A brief history
To understand how we have got here, you could look back to February 2021, when Council resolved to investigate potential refurbishment and redevelopment options for the Council Chambers and Administration Centre in the context of a broader Civic Precinct. But the need for significant attention to the ageing building at 241 Rokeby Road has been known far longer. Since the mid-1990s, successive Councils have commissioned studies, consulted the community, and allocated funding.In 2022 we had begun early discussions with architects, when a fire in the building moved this project up in the City’s list of priorities. Now, we actually want to get this done. For you, the community of today; and for the community who will call our City home long into the future.
Moving beyond a concept
The design that is out for consultation was prepared by a highly accomplished team, selected through a competitive and robust selection process using an independent expert panel of leading architects. But it is still only a concept design, not a final design. It is not ready to be built. It gives the community and Council something tangible to work with; and the City is actively seeking your feedback so that we can move beyond a concept.With the close of consultation on the concept design in sight, we already know a lot about what the community likes, doesn’t like and is unsure or concerned about. I can’t cover it all on this one page; but for now, a few key points:
- In the concept design, the building footprint is similar to the old Council Chambers and Administration Centre. At three storeys high, the new building would match the height of the Subiaco Arts Centre.
- This is not just an office or a Council HQ. The community spaces are significant.
- Cost of course is an issue not far from the minds of most respondents; and so too, the minds of Elected Members and staff. Large sums of money come with a high level of responsibility. Whatever the final design, it will need to represent value. To mitigate against unbudgeted cost blowouts, around one fifth of the current estimated project cost is allocated to contingencies and escalations.
- Still on costs, City staff have run preliminary calculations on how the project costs compare with expenditure that would be needed if the project didn’t proceed. These numbers, and ways of funding the project, will continue to be refined and validated.
- We know the value of Subiaco’s tree canopy and natural environment. The concept design retains all mature Norfolk Island Pines, and various palm trees, rubber trees, and native frangipani trees.
- There is clear desire for plenty of shady, green, open spaces; less hardscaping; pedestrian safety in and around the precinct; and accessibility for people of all ages (including plentiful seating options).
- The site’s history and sentimental value are community priorities.
We’ve heard you, and we are still listening.
Feedback received during the consultation period will be analysed by an external agency before it is presented to Council. A diversity of opinion when the final results are collated will signal to us that no stone has been left unturned.
So, if you are part of the City of Subiaco community, and you haven’t done so already, please take the time to explore all of the detailed information, straight from the source, available at the City’s website.
Also, keep an eye on your letterbox this week for a brochure that details key elements of the concept design, and invites your feedback.
We are a Council and a staff who have runs on the board. Thank you for continuing to work with us – just as you have done the last few years – so that we can make the right generational investment in our community.
Yours faithfully
Mayor David McMullen
RELATED