New centre injects colour into local scene

After months of delays and setbacks, Rockingham Arts Centre will officially open its doors to the public on Saturday evening.

The Kent Street centre, which is set to provide the city’s artistic community with a multipurpose room, sculpture workshop, studio and office space and an exhibition gallery, was desperately needed, says Bertram artist Jacq Chorlton.

Mrs Chorlton, who was commissioned to complete the centre’s colourful outdoor mural with fellow local artists Tanya and James Collier, said she hoped the centre would contribute to Kent Street becoming the vibrant heart of Rockingham.

“It’s going to be fantastic once the arts centre is open,” she said.

“We’ve got Dome and the Kent Street Deli down there now, and I think the addition of the arts centre will really turn the street into a cool, buzzy area.”

Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels will formally open the centre on Saturday at 7.30pm.