Poor reception for 'superscreen' bid

A big-screen based in the Bunbury CBD, similar to the one at Northbridge Piazza, should not be bought because it would not pay for itself, according to a business case prepared by the council.

The Bunbury City Council's corporate and community services staff prepared the analysis after councillors raised the idea at a meeting in September.

They found the screen would cost $65,000 and the council would need to hire a part-time worker to operate it and cover maintenance costs. But the demand for advertising would not be enough to cover the costs.

It was also noted the Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industry believed there were higher priorities for the council.

These included appointing a business manager for the CBD and meeting the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre's need for a digital projector.

"After considering all of the factors identified in this report a digital screen in the Bunbury CBD seems unlikely to generate sufficient return on investment to ensure its viability," the report said.

"This is especially so considering the move towards placing information in the hands and homes of consumers via mobile and online technology.

"There may be opportunities to partner with advertising businesses in the future to allow community-based content if such businesses approach council and are considering the installation of large LED screens within public areas."

The genesis of the plan for a big-screen digital screen came during debate over the Bunbury Library's ageing projector that was slammed by residents because it did not work during Anzac Day celebrations.

But the debate morphed into a discussion about other locations and options for digital screens in Bunbury.

Cr Karen Steele raised the example of the LED "superscreen" at Northbridge Piazza, which is used to play films, music and sports games.

At the end of the debate, the council agreed to allow its staff to investigate where a screen could be located in the CBD and if it was viable, although this approach was criticised by a number of councillors.

The business case will be discussed at Tuesday's council meeting.