**Multi User Facility:** An artist impression of the Multi User Facility.

Local contractors have got the ball rolling on Geraldton’s newest project with the initial phases of the new Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct underway.

Perth business FIRM Construction has been awarded the main contract for the project but the City of Greater Geraldton is pleased to announce that up to 80% of the work will be outsourced to local contractors.

A total of nine local contractors have been awarded work on Geraldton’s premier new precinct to date and City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the City is committed to injecting funds back in to the local community.

“This is a huge project for the City and one that will be extremely beneficial to the whole community, especially our youth,” he said.

“With the total project cost sitting at over $9 million – up to 80% of this work is going to local contractors which was something that was very important to us when we began the planning of this project.”

The project is jointly funded with Regional Development Australia providing $3,170,000 in grant funding for the construction of the Multi User Facility; and the Youth Precinct and Event Space receiving $1 million in grant funding from both Lotterywest and Regional Development Australia.

In total, the City has received $5.17 million in grant funding for the projects and the City’s contribution of $3,937,928 is spread over all five portions of the project.

FIRM have been in contact with the Mid West Chamber of Commerce and Industry to ensure the best economic outcomes for local contractors and the community.

“The Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct will be the final jewel in the crown for our foreshore and is the culmination of more than 10 years of planning,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“We are very proud that our local contractors will play such a big role in the construction of the final two elements of the West End Revitalisation Project.”

The only elements of the projects that will be outsourced are the specialised pieces of equipment which cannot be sourced locally.

The Multi User Facility will provide permanent facilities for TS Morrow, Geraldton & Districts Offshore Angling Club, the Champion Bay Surf Lifesaving club, and boat storage for the Geraldton Yacht Club and Geraldton Senior College. The facility will also provide three public training/meeting rooms, a large public function room and a permanent stage for community events.

The Youth Precinct will provide much needed facilities for the youth of Geraldton and will include a large aerial climbing structure, rage cage, and interactive zones for youth to engage or “chill out”.

Importantly both the Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct have been designed to maximise the opportunities for people with disabilities to become more involved.

Funding also incorporates beach access for people who are mobility impaired as well as the refurbishment of the existing ablution block behind the Visitor Centre to house a beach wheelchair and hoist and an adult change facility.

The fully integrated design will have an uninterrupted access pathway that will enable wheelchair access onto the beach.

Fencing has been already been raised on parts of the Foreshore as construction begins. Fencing includes the area of the Foreshore in front of the Sail Inn towards the back of the Geraldton Visitor Centre, including the existing ablution block and will be in place for an estimated 12 months until construction is complete.

Local businesses contracted for work on the Multi User Facility and Youth Precinct includes: