The City is developing a new precinct design for Bunbury's Bicentennial Square - an iconic and cherished City Centre precinct with great potential.

We know that City Centre development and activation is one of our community's highest priorities with the latest community scorecard identifying this as an area of improvement for our residents and rate payers.

The City is proud to continue to address this community priority and as part of the City Centre Revitalisation Project, the City has identified actions aimed at developing a Bicentennial Square Precinct Plan.

The project will review the current function of this strategic site, including a public transport plan, options for improved connectivity to the Leschenault Inlet, other activation opportunities and improved safety and functionality. This information will be used to inform how this space will be best used or enhanced for the Bunbury community into the future.

Bicentennial Square is a cherished and historic site for our community and has immense potential to become a vibrant community hub.

Bicentennial Square History

Bicentennial Square was formed to provide an attractive public open space for the community following removal of the railway marshalling yards in 1985.

The historic old railway building was constructed in 1905 and – along with the separate ablution block building – is currently a heritage-listed building.

The concept for Bicentennial Square arose out of the State Government policy document, ‘Bunbury 2000’ which was developed in 1983 with the formation of the South Development Authority (now South West Development Commission). It was built in 1987-88.

The opportunity for the development of a city square emerged from the redevelopment of the former railway marshalling yards. The removal of the railway tracks and infrastructure opened up vistas from the City Centre through to the Leschenault Inlet foreshore.

Bicentennial Square was developed by the City and encompasses the former railway station (now a bus transit centre). The area was built on land reclaimed from the estuary and provides a footpath link to many sites along the inlet.

The Square has proved a popular venue for community entertainment and a spectator point for sporting and community events.

In 2000, the now Graham Bricknell Memorial Music Shell was constructed in memory of former councillor and deputy mayor of Bunbury, Graham Bricknell.

What’s happening now

In May 2024, Regional Development Minister and Member for Bunbury Don Punch announced $100,000 towards a detailed precinct plan.

While also allocating $50,000 in its 2024-25 Annual Budget, the City will investigate further funding opportunities as part of the project.

The Bicentennial Square Precinct Plan project aligns with the stated vision, purpose and top priorities of the City’s Strategic Community Plan (SCP).

With the growing popularity of Koolambidi Woola (Bunbury’s youth precinct), the Sykes Foreshore splash park, the Mangrove Cove nature playground and Discovery Parks Bunbury expansion, a precinct plan for Bicentennial Square aligns with objectives of the SCP.

A range of technical studies (e.g. geotechnical, servicing, traffic and environmental) will be required to be undertaken to support the ultimate plan.

There will be a number of opportunities for community input to ensure that the Bunbury community is able to help influence the planning of this important civic space.

Public input will help inform any draft precinct or concept plans. A final precinct plan will then be prepared and presented to Council for consideration.

Community Engagement

The latest community engagement is currently underway for the development of a new precinct design for Bunbury’s Bicentennial Square.

Encompassing the beautiful area positioned between our City Centre and the Leschenault Inlet, this project aims to create a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive space that reflects our community’s values and priorities.

This is an exciting opportunity and one that our local community, businesses owners and visitors can influence and enjoy.

We invite all community members to share their ideas, feedback and considerations for the potential design of the precinct through the online survey below.

Our community’s insights are crucial in shaping a space that meets our collective needs and aspirations.