Heart of Spalding Urban Renewal Project opened by Premier Roger Cook and Housing Minister John Carey

Premier Roger Cook lived in Geraldton in the early noughties and recalled Spalding being a suburbs that “just needed a little bit more love”.

A whole bunch of TLC has been directed at the suburb, and one of the flagship projects of a $9.3 million investment in Spalding was officially opened by the Premier on Wednesday.

Local leaders and stakeholders gathered at AMC Park to celebrate the completion of stage two of the Spalding Urban Renewal Project.

The $4.9m second stage included new road extensions, footpaths, refurbishments to social housing and upgrades to AMC Park to make Spalding a more vibrant suburb.

The $9.3m urban renewal program is being carried out in three stages to improve Spalding’s amenity, with 12 derelict and no longer fit-for-use social homes demolished to make way for a new road.

As well, 48 homes in Spalding have been identified as needing renovations, and 26 have undergone major refurbishments to extend their useful life.

The second stage of works included upgrades to the Mitchell Street Community Centre and improved public open spaces.

“I remember when I lived here with my family in the early 2000s, Spalding was one of those areas that just needed a little bit more love,” Mr Cook said.

“We want to continue the tradition of investing in one of our key regional cities, Geraldton.”

Housing Minister John Carey said the investment in Spalding was worthwhile due to the strong sense of community.

City of Greater Geraldton mayor Jerry Clune said the community centre had attracted plenty of interest in businesses looking to tender the space.

The new playground at AMC Park was designed with the help of students at Bluff Point Primary School, whose non-negotiables were a toilet, a flying fox and water play features.

The space also features a yarning circle, barbecues, shaded picnic tables and public toilets as well as a grand play area and ball court.