‘Unaffordable’: Surf Coast pulls plug on cultural centre

THE Surf Coast Shire has abandoned its plan to build the Surf Coast Cultural Centre, conceding the project’s rising cost had made it “unaffordable” and, in hindsight, “a long shot”.

On Tuesday, the council backed an officer recommendation to scrap the proposed $73 million integrated facility and instead pursue smaller, separate projects for the Australian National Surf Museum and Torquay Library.

The cultural centre was initially estimated in 2021 to cost $53.6 million across two stages – $33.2 million for stage one and $20.4 million for stage two – but that figure has since climbed to more than $73 million, with stage one now projected at $45.2 million and stage two at $27.9 million.

But officers said maintaining the status quo at the Surf City precinct was also not viable, noting the 1980s-era library is significantly undersized for the area’s population.

At 380sqm, it falls well short of the recommended benchmark of at least 1,200sqm for Torquay and Jan Juc.

Under the revised approach, the shire will allocate $18 million toward separate upgrades, including $1.5 million in the 2026-27 budget to refurbish the surf museum and extend its life by 30 years.

About $15 million is earmarked for a new library, with $9 million expected from developer and council contributions, while further funding will be sought to cover the shortfall.

Cr Tony Phelps said the cultural centre had been envisioned as a “flagship project” for Torquay.

“However, it simply is unaffordable now,” he said. “I think it’s a sensible move to split it into component parts, such as a new library. The library is well overdue, and it’s a highly beneficial community asset.”

Cr Mike Bodsworth, who was part of the council that advanced the original proposal, said it was disappointing to step away from the vision.

“It is a bit sad to let go of that for now,” he said.

“But at the time, it felt like a long shot. It was a huge ask. And I think it’s right to acknowledge that it’s no longer the right ask and the direction that we’re facing here is the right one.”

Cr Paul Barker, who voted against the motion, supported abandoning the cultural centre but opposed what he described as an open-ended replacement plan.

“If the library has a DCP [development contribution plan] obligation, then we bring back the smallest compliant library option, with capped costings, confirmed funding and no new ratepayer exposure beyond existing restricted funds,” he said.

“The best part of this recommendation is that it recognises the community-run Multi Arts Centre is already operating and does not need full commercial overhaul.”