WHITE Building Company has been awarded the tender to build Collie's new art gallery.
The locally-based company's tender design includes dedicated gallery space, which would be capable of hosting exhibitions of national and international significance.
Preparation and site works for the gallery will get under way immediately, with construction expected to be complete early next year.
The gallery could become one of the premier tourist attractions in the South West as well as providing artistic and cultural development opportunities for the region.
It would be the first purpose-built public art gallery to be constructed in Western Australia since the State Art Gallery in Perth in the 1970s.
Collie shire president Wayne Sanford said the new art gallery was a key component of the revitalisation of the town's central business district.
"Collie is in the midst of an exciting and challenging phase," he said.
"The construction of the art gallery is an important step in the shire's continued development as a vibrant, growing and sustainable community where people want to live, visit and invest."
White Building owner Greg White said the company had been a part of Collie for more than 20 years and saw this investment as a positive step in showcasing the town as a vibrant and growing community.
"The art gallery and cultural centre will expose the community to events and activities it previously has not had the opportunity to participate in, but will also encourage visitors to the town," Mr White said.
The Collie Gallery Group will manage the operation of the gallery once it is constructed.
Chairwoman Elizabeth Lindsay said the gallery will be a landmark for Collie and surrounding districts.
"Research shows when there is a significant investment in the artistic and cultural development of a town, it has positive ramifications for every area of the community," Mrs Lindsay said.
Individuals and businesses are encouraged to join the gallery's membership program, which has three distinct categories: foundation members, friends of the gallery and volunteers.
For more information, go to the gallery's website at www.collieart gallery.org.au or its Facebook page.
The project is being funded through the Shire of Collie's Supertowns allocation along with a grant of $500,000 being provided by Collie and Districts Community Bank Branch of the Bendigo Bank.
