Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s new pavilion came to life on Sunday as the community gathered to explore the event space that doubles as a carpark.

Locals can contact the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder to suggest a permanent name for the $11.8 million pavilion that will host markets, festivals, performances, exhibitions, school events, and community celebrations.

The pavilion, next to the Goldfields Arts Centre, operates as an open-air carpark for day-to-day use and can be transformed into a fully enclosed, weatherproof venue for events and functions and accommodate up to 2100 people.

Mayor Glenn Wilson said the pavilion would attract larger scale events into Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

“We now have a flexible, purpose-built space that can support everything from community markets through to major festivals, performances and visiting events we simply couldn’t accommodate before,” he said.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing what this becomes over time . . . I think we’re going to see a lot of great events here for many years to come.

“We don’t often get to open something of this scale . . . it really is a significant time of investment and momentum for Kalgoorlie-Boulder.”

The opening day on Sunday featured Kalgoorlie Rotary Markets, stalls, food vendors, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.

The $11.8m project came about through a $3m contribution from BHP’s WA Nickel Community Fund, and a $1m grant from Lotterywest.

Mr Wilson also acknowledged former mayor John Bowler, who recognised the need for a large, all-weather venue in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

“That idea has now become a reality, and it is fantastic to see the space being used exactly as it was intended,” he said.

“This is what we hoped for when we started talking about a space like this, somewhere that can host the big events but also just bring people together on an ordinary weekend.”

Submissions for the pavilion’s name can be made via yoursay.ckb.wa.gov.au or collected from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s administration building, Eastern Goldfields Community Centre or William Grundt Memorial Library.

All suggestions will be considered by council before a final name is selected.