Kwinana youth will soon have their very own multi million dollar hang out after the Town of Kwinana were last week handed the keys to the new youth space, now officially known as the Zone.
Although not open to the public until November 19, construction of the $7.5 million, two-storey Zone youth space was completed last week, with Kwinana youth workers and service providers now moving in to set up shop.
Construction of the Zone began in September 2010, almost a decade after the facility was first considered for the area. Over the past few years in particular, intense design and planning was carried out by the council and funding was sought and secured from the state and federal government's, allowing construction to finally commence.
The completion of the facility was celebrated at a VIP function held on Wednesday evening which saw a group of lucky young people join Kwinana Mayor Carol Adams, local politicians, stakeholders and community members for a guided tour of the building.
Speaking at the function, Mayor Adams said the Zone would prove to be one of the most influential facilities in the Town, forming part of an overarching strategy to revitalize the community and breathe new life into Kwinana.
“Today we celebrate the completion of a building, but more importantly we celebrate the beginning of a new era for Kwinana and our young residents,” Mayor Adams said.
“This building signifies a turning point for our community, over the next few years the Town will progress with a plethora of multi million dollar projects, transforming Kwinana into athriving metropolitan destination and offering our current and future residents the services, infrastructure and amenities they deserve."
Mayor Adams said programs, events and workshops held at the Zone would have a positive underlying effect on education and employment prospects for Kwinana Youth.
“The Zone youth space will provide development opportunities and will support the young people of our community as they flourish into mature adults. The centre will be open to all young people and we encourage the community to attend the open day on November 19 to have a look around and explore what the facility has to offer.”
Jointly funded by the Town of Kwinana, the federal government, Lotterywest and the Department of Culture and the Arts, Mayor Adams said the Zone was a great example of the three spheres of government working together to provide the community with important infrastructure.
Located at the corner of Gilmore Avenue and Darius Road, the Zone youth space will be officially opened on Saturday November 19 during the inaugural Get in the Zone open day.
Doors will open at 10am with a range of sports, music and media based events and activities.
The afternoon will see live music performances by Harlequin League, Splinta and MC Trooth as well as roller derby and roller hockey.
The youth space was named after a competition was held asking for local youth to put forward their ideas. Mayor Adams presented Mia Pattiselanno from Wellard with an iPad during the Freakfest event last weekend for her winning entry the Zone.