Iconic West Australian fun park to enjoy second life as ECEC setting in redevelopment

The castle from which the Castle Fun Park in Halls Head takes its name could soon be rebuilt and open as part of an early childhood education and care (ECEC) service from next year, local news source Mandurah Coastal Times has reported. 

 

Once the key feature of the fun park, the castle has since fallen into disrepair after the park closed in 2000, having been in operation since 1979. Since the park’s closure large sections of the castle have collapsed, while what remains has been vandalised. 

 

Darren Blowes of Blokk Property has purchased the site, and commenced with surveying works with an aim of having the structure restored in early 2022. 

 

“I wanted to have a point of difference with other childcare centres and include a heap of local content,” Mr Blowes shared with the Times, outlining his vision for a 99 place service, with access to the castle open for the public outside of operational hours, which Blokk will own and operate. 

 

“We want to keep it flexible for after hours and on weekends for other uses such as parties and kids events, as well as a cultural and events space for days like Halloween or activities like (an outdoor cinema),” he explained.

 

The one hectare property will also house “a range of commercial purposes” with Mr Blowes describing “an engaging precinct that includes a mix of businesses that can feed off each other.” 

To access the original coverage of this story, please see here.