A multi-million dollar reactivation of the heritage-listed Luisini Winery will mark the first step in providing a vibrant and welcoming southern entrance to the revitalised Yellagonga Regional Park in Kingsley.
The project is being undertaken as a public/private partnership between the National Trust of Western Australia and Be Our Guest Holdings Pty Ltd to revitalise the heritage asset and create a multi-purpose community facility and tourist destination.
Plans for the site, located on the banks of Lake Goollelal, include preserving most of the concrete wine barrels and honouring the current hand-built structures by reusing limestone walls, wooden eaves and steel doors.
The Luisini Winery was once considered the largest privately owned winery in WA and operated from the 1920s to the 1980s. It was purchased by the State Government in 1989 and has been closed to the public since.
The redevelopment will complement the Labor Government's election commitment to install a nature play area and construct a boardwalk in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. The boardwalk will highlight the significance of the wetlands and the flora and fauna local to the site by providing public programs and educational opportunities for schools.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"I am pleased to see Luisini Winery will be reactivated into a facility that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
"This redevelopment will provide a fantastic southern entry statement to the beautiful Yellagonga Regional Park, providing an appealing place to meet, eat and relax.
"It will complement our $8.5 million commitment to help create a Kings Park of the north byincluding an all-abilities nature playground on the banks of Lake Goollelal, with signage in Aboriginal, English and Italian.
"I know the local community has been looking forward to seeing a sympathetic development here at Luisini Winery, and while it may have been a hidden secret up until now, it won't be for much longer."
Comments attributed to Heritage Minister David Templeman:
"I congratulate the National Trust and Be Our Guest Holdings Pty Ltd on this exciting partnership.
"Be Our Guest Holdings Pty Ltd is recognised for its excellence in heritage-related projects, including the Premier Mill Hotel in Katanning and the Farmer's Home Hotel in Northam. The Luisini Project promises to maintain this excellence while enabling the building to continue to be a location of significance to the Italian community.
"Combining this redevelopment with the Labor Government's significant election commitments to the Yellagonga Regional Park will ensure the stories of the place, the environment, and the families and communities with strong connections to the location will be told."
Comments attributed to Kingsley MLA Jessica Stojkovski:
"This will be a beautiful example of adaptive reuse once it is complete. The sympathetic interpretation of the existing structure will honour the site's history and protect it for future generations."
