General News
23 September, 2024
Courthouse project nears completion
Warracknabeal's Courthouse project in Woolcock Street is making progress, a module unit having been lifted onto the site to become an artist studio with the potential to be transformed into an accommodation unit as well.
Yarriambiack Shire Council has partnered with Working Heritage and Monash University's Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture to deliver indoor and outdoor working spaces that will support artisanal activities and creative community workshops and events.
It will also be used as accommodation for tourists and visiting artists.
Another module also now in situ will be used as a bathroom.
The Courthouse building was constructed in 1890 and hosted court on a range of cases until its closing in 1989.
It was later used as an artist-in-residence space.
Funding of $500,000 was received in 2021 for this project as part of the Mallee Silo Art Trail Flagship Tourism Infrastructure Program.
Stage-one building renovations already completed included accessibility improvements, new amenities, a kitchenette and bedrooms.
Outdoor additions to the Courthouse such as decking to connect the module to the heritage building are on track, with hopes this phase will be completed by next week to allow Monash University to install decorative screens.
The project is expected to be finalised by the end of October.
A "wonder cabinette" will be an additional project added to the Courthouse site.
It is expected to be delivered in December.
The custom-designed-and-built caravan will be outfitted with technology to capture and deliver immersive multimedia experiences.
In 2021 it was allocated $248,750 in funding as part of the Regional Infrastructure Fund.