New lease of life brings recognition to old theatre

A building in the centre of Bunbury’s CBD has been recognised as a finalist in the 2018 State Heritage Awards.

The old Lyric Theatre is one of six finalists in the Conservation of a State Registered Place category and is the only building in the South West nominated.

Owner Mike Honeybell said he was pleased to be nominated for the award after spending more than a year refurbishing the building.

“(Co-owner) Stewart (Binnie) and I are passionate about Bunbury and we are passionate about heritage and business,” Mr Honeybell said.

“In buying and restoring the former Lyric Theatre, we brought all of these passions together and hope we have created something that will be a major feature of the Bunbury CBD for many years to come.

“The building has an incredible creative history and we are proud to bring that history back to life.”

Maker + Co creative director Colette McEntee, who leases part of the building to run her company, said people in the community had a sense of attachment to the old theatre.

“I think it is really a nod to Bunbury and the people who have come before us and their legacy,” she said.

“They have left behind beautiful infrastructure like this and I think it is a mark of respect to invest back into those pieces of infrastructure that have been cornerstones of the community for such a long time.

“It also helps create a bright future for these buildings.”