The Pinjarra courthouse will be used by the community.
Camera IconThe Pinjarra courthouse will be used by the community. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Former Pinjarra courthouse to become a Makers House

Jill BurgessMandurah Coastal Times

THE former Pinjarra courthouse is on its way to becoming a community ‘co-creating, co-working’ space.

The Shire of Murray has approved the use of the building as Pinjarra Makers House, a concept put forward in a submission by place-making group Pinjarra Connect.

Shire president David Bolt said the proposed use of the former courthouse and its associated frontage would lead to heightened business activity in Pinjarra.

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He said it would provide a space for people from small or home businesses to work and collaborate in a more social setting.

Pinjarra Connect’s submission emphasised the need for Pinjarra to demonstrate its willingness to welcome, accommodate and support local entrepreneurs, creatives and people prepared to work together to bring about positive change.

The submission proposed four uses for the building, including a seven-day per week artist in residence, rotating on a monthly basis and operating between 10am-2pm.

Artists could produce, display and sell their artwork and undertake art workshops.

The second use would be a meeting room for small business operators and community groups while the third would involve setting up internal and external workshops space.

The final use could be a visitor information area providing brochures, maps and itineraries.

An initial $5000 investment from the council would help with the fit-out.

Pinjarra Connect was established about 12 months ago to provide local artisans and creatives the chance to work with the community to revitalise and activate the town centre.

Built in 1935, the courthouse is an important part of Pinjarra’s heritage and ceased operation as a courthouse in 2003.