Shire tests viability and costs of Torquay cultural facility

THE Surf Coast Shire is testing the viability and estimated costs of a multi-million-dollar arts facility in Torquay, about a year after the council considered the recommended option to make it happen.

In late July 2020, councillors received the Torquay Cultural Facility and Library Feasibility Study.

According to the study, Torquay’s 380sqm library is four times below the projected benchmark of 1,600sqm needed to support the shire’s projected population of almost 46,000 in 15 years’ time.

The study’s preference is for a knockdown/rebuild to create a new arts facility, Australian National Surfing Museum, Visitor Information Centre and library at Surf City in Beach Road.

Of the seven sites considered and four different models proposed, the study recommends an entirely redeveloped $28 million four-facility model at the existing site as it “delivers the most benefits, is seen as the best capital investment and delivers an operating result that is very similar to the most affordable operating result”.

“This delivers four cultural facilities in one and has the opportunity to enhance the entire precinct and deliver benefits to other facilities, businesses and community groups.”

The feasibility study follows the council’s earlier resolutions to turn the Surf Coast Sport and Recreation Centre (also at Surf City) into a community-led arts facility, The MAC, which has since hosted a handful of events.

Surf Coast general manager of culture and community Chris Pike said the council initiated the next stage of planning in late 2020, which involves exploring options in more detail for the Torquay Cultural Facility and Library Project.

“We know this project can deliver outstanding benefits for the community and help the creative and cultural sector that has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This next level of detailed planning work includes testing the viability and estimated costs for the council’s preferred option of a new building, which includes a library, Australian National Surfing Museum, Visitor Information Centre and arts facility at 77 Beach Road, Torquay.”

The project is the final community infrastructure project of scale in the Torquay Jan Juc Development Contributions Plan, and its estimated $28 million cost means the shire must secure financial contributions from other levels of government to build the facility.

The council put in a request to the state government for funding ahead of last year’s Victorian Budget, and will also lobby the federal government to make a contribution.

“This project is one of the council’s current advocacy priorities and we will be looking to partner with the state and federal government to realise this exciting project for the Surf Coast Shire community,” Mr Pike said.