A major face-lift is officially under way at the Derby Civic Centre.

Crews have started work on a $1.29 million upgrade funded by a Lotterywest grant with the project bringing much-needed air conditioning to the facility, alongside a brand-new roof, essential structural maintenance and accessibility improvements.

The shire noted the upgrades would significantly improve comfort for users during periods of extreme heat and make sure the facility remained accessible and safe for all members of the Derby community.

To ensure continued access to essential amenities within the town centre, the Derby Youth Centre toilets will be open to the public from 8am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday during the works.

At the June council meeting, Shire of Derby West Kimberley president Peter McCumstie said he was grateful for Lotterywest’s support in carrying out the upgrades.

“The commencement of Derby Civic Centre improvement works . . . is a significant step forward for our asset management plan,” he said.

While presenting the grant certificate to the shire in May, Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said the upgrades would benefit local residents and help keep the facility functional and welcoming for all who use it.

“This funding is a significant investment in Derby’s community infrastructure and will help ensure the Civic Centre remains a safe, comfortable and inclusive space for everyone,” she said.

The tender to overhaul the centre was awarded to West Coast Building and Construction at a special council meeting on June 11, following a series of investigations into the building’s condition.

A mechanical feasibility study by Acor Consultants in 2024 and further assessments from Laird Tran Studio, Ashburner Francis, Capital Engineering Structural and BCA Consultants in 2025, flagged a number of structural, compliance and building performance issues with the facility.