The future of The Wesley has been informed through previous community-engagement activities, strategic planning processes, and council decision-making. The proposed acquisition is consistent with a strategic direction previously identified, considered, and communicated to the community.
At the council’s July meeting, councillors adopted a recommendation to undertake community engagement in relation to the proposed acquisition, noting that any decision regarding the transfer of title would be considered at a subsequent council meeting following the community engagement and that any transfer of title would be subject to the council’s consideration and approval of the terms and conditions in the proposed transfer agreement.
The council will then call for tenders for the redevelopment works, noting that any decision to award a tender was contingent upon council approving the transfer of title.
Cr Cameron McDonald, who moved the motion, said it was an important step in the process of redeveloping The Wesley, and that he hoped the acquisition process would progress in a timely manner so the redevelopment could get underway.
Cr Angela Munn said the push to redevelop The Wesley began a decade ago.
“ It’s about turning commitment into action. Budget allocation is now upon us, and the processes we are now undertaking is about making that promise a reality for the community,” she said.
“It’s an investment in people, not just the building.
“The people who have worked tirelessly to achieve this goal – the donors, volunteers, performers and other community members in various ways.
“ This redevelopment will create opportunities within schools, performing-arts groups, community organisations and audiences for generations to come.
“It’ll be good to once again have this building open for use.”
The council adopted its 2026-27 budget at a special meeting in June, allocating $2.71-million over two years.
The Wesley Redevelopment Project fundraising campaign raised $423,667 for the redevelopment project, including a contribution of $226,000 from its own funds.
The redevelopment will have a flat-floor design to make the building more user-friendly and suitable to a variety of uses – a performing-arts venue as well as a meeting space.
As part of the high-level terms of agreement between the Wesley Performing Arts and Cultural Centre, WPACC, and the council for the transfer of building ownership, the council will enter into a legally binding agreement that incorporates all remaining terms for the redevelopment project; and the council resolves to make a funding allocation of $2.28-million.
The legally binding agreement will include the following key provisions: an agreement as to a timeline of commencement and completion of the project; an agreed timeline for the transfer of funds raised by WPACC towards the delivery of the project; and a commitment by the council to preserve and maintain the building as a performing-arts centre and other ancillary uses, the property and contents – specifically the Schimmel piano, the Brash Paling piano and the electric organ – the unique acoustic and architectural characteristics of the property, including the stain-glass windows, heritage organ pipes, an appropriate choice of seating and the use of the Jarrah flooring, where possible; and a donor board.
The council will need to obtain WPACC’s agreement on dispersal of contents within the property, and agree that two members of WPACC remain as members of the project control group for the duration of the project.
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