Extra dough for flour mill

Bought for the peppercorn sum of just $1, the old flour mill in Katanning is a step closer to being transformed into a multimillion-dollar complex after Dome Cafe Group was awarded an additional $100,000 funding to its renovations budget.

Awarded last week alongside 27 other WA Heritage Projects, the old mill will soon house a modern and sleek Dome Cafe with boutique accommodation, while successfully maintaining the heritage of the old building.

The extra funding was provided by the State Government's 2015-2016 Heritage Grants Program and Dome Cafe Group managing director Nigel Oakey said because of the project's, and the building's uniqueness, the group had urged robust investment into the hospitality facility.

"The funding is limited and it gets allocated to the projects which the heritage committee sees most worthy, so this is a further sign, and I suppose further confidence, in the future of Katanning," Mr Oakley said

"The challenge and the opportunity for this building is to successfully and adaptively reuse it, but not diminish its history; rather even enhance its historical storytelling.

"It is very exciting and the grant allows us to do so much more."

Construction on the facility is set to begin as soon as Christmas this year and Mr Oakey said the project had inspired similar developments throughout the State.

"At least four or five are being lined up, but it's fair to say Katanning is probably slightly further ahead of the pack," he said.

"It is the first on the ground and more complex, but we have a fantastic team behind us."

Shire of Katanning chief executive Julian Murphy said the old flour mill becoming a fully operational building was of great benefit to Katanning.

He added the Shire was also extremely happy the building would retain its heritage and sense of purpose.

"I think it will become a genuine attraction itself," he said.

"We hope we can build on it; perhaps tie in a tourist heritage trail, but it will provide more accommodation and just another great place to stop and have a cup of coffee and piece of cake."