Vibrant hub plan

Sam JonesNorth West Telegraph
Camera IconAn artist’s impression of the repurposed shipping containers. Credit: Sam Jones/Artwork courtesy of BHP, Sam Jones

Port Hedland’s Marapikurrinya Park is set to be transformed into a vibrant hub of community activity and trade when two repurposed shipping containers are installed at the park.

Planned for use in pop-up markets, for cafes and small business trading, the designs will be completed in the coming months, with works set to take place in the first half of next financial year.

BHP will invest $630,000 in the project in a bid to support the State Government’s decision to revitalise the West End as a hub for commercial, office and hospitality services.

BHP general manager port operations Nilson Davila said the investment would help reinvigorate the West End and improve amenity for the community while also helping to boost jobs and economic opportunity for residents.

“The renewal of the port precinct will have multiple benefits including reducing land- use conflicts, boosting the local economy and supporting existing and new businesses in the port precinct,” he said.

Read more...

Town of Port Hedland commissioner Fred Riebeling commended BHP for partnering with the Town to deliver the project.

“As we’ve seen with the popularity of the Sunset Food Markets, Marapikurrinya Park is an attractive space for local families to congregate and enjoy each other’s company,” he said.

“The installation of these shipping containers will provide small businesses with another avenue of trade, delivering on the Town’s commitment to provide more economic opportunities and improve public space activation.

“BHP and the Town realised that it made sense to build on the success of the food markets by installing permanent structures which supported the needs and aspirations of local traders.”

In the past 10 years, BHP has invested more than $20 million in activation projects in the West End, including the FORM Court House Gallery, Silver Star cafe, various park improvements, and the Port Hedland Chamber of Commerce business incubator.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails