The stunning Eden Welcome Centre was officially opened on Friday as announcements for Eden came thick and fast.
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Local Member Andrew Constance was joined by Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres and Port Authority of NSW chief executive Philip Holliday for Friday's special event in front of invited guests and dignitaries.
Also announced on the day was confirmation of $27million for a wave attenuator for Eden's Safe Harbour project as well as a separate $100million residential complex planned for the Eden Fishermen's Club site.
Designed by Cox Architects and constructed by local company Rankin Builders, work on the two-storey Eden Welcome Centre began in March 2020 and has provided over 10,000 hours of work to around 40 regional subcontractors.
The pairing of Cox Architecture and Rankin Builders was termed "a magic combination" by Mr Constance and the building "truly special" by Mr Ayres.
Built from gorgeous repurposed hardwoods from across regional Australia and featuring artwork, stories and heritage interpretation throughout, the Eden Welcome Centre is a tribute to the region as it celebrates maritime history, Aboriginal history and storytelling, wildlife, and the region's key industries.
Sustainable features within the building's design aim to achieve a four-star green energy rating.
For those wishing to see it for themselves, the centre will open its doors to the public from 9am-2pm this weekend (May 1-2) with a community event hosted by Eden Tourism and Bega Valley Regional Gallery, and sponsored by the Port Authority.
Visitors will be welcomed to take a first look through the new building; watch performances by comedian and magician Rhys The Trickster, dance group Fling Physical Theatre and a host of local musicians; browse an arts market with local makers and crafters; and enjoy the tastes of local food trucks.
Find out more about the Eden Welcome Centre at www.portauthoritynsw.com.au/edenwelcomecentre.
Watch the official opening in full below (my apologies for the repeated buzz of my phone's never-ending message arrivals, and the wind noise - both are a little out of my control! - Ben)