Gaol tender approved

Restoration of the historic Roebourne Gaol precinct is a step closer, with the City of Karratha appointing a tenderer to carry out the works.

Perth-based building and development business Colgan Industries was last week named the preferred company to deliver the conservation works aimed at reactivating the site and increasing tourism to the oldest town in the North West.

The City of Karratha said the precinct had significant heritage and cultural values and believed they should be preserved and used to their full potential to boost tourism in Roebourne.

“Council nominated Colgan Industries as the preferred tenderer to deliver the conservation works, pending Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage negotiations to reduce the scope of works up to $1.25 million, as they have capacity to deliver the works to the required standard,” the City said.

The appointment marked phase two of the conservation works, which will include structural replacements and reconstruction, fresh paint, new security screens and removal of termite-damaged timber and asbestos, which the City said would begin on site shortly. Phase one, completed in December, cost $43,080 and included initial critical demolition, asbestos removal and site- clearing works.

The buildings were in various states of disrepair as a result of lack of occupancy and maintenance as well as recent cyclone damage. The Roebourne Goal site is owned by the State Government, which has fully funded the $1.5 million project, while the City holds these funds for the works and would be the signatory for the contract.

Colgan was chosen by the City in consultation with the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, which manages the precinct. Other companies which applied were Perth-based Clinton Long Project Management, and local firms GBSC Yurra and Baessler Construction.