THE Surf Coast Shire will further evaluate the prospect of converting the Surf Coast Sport and Recreation Centre for use as a theatre.<\/p>\n
The council allocated $30,000 in its 2018-19 budget for the feasibility study, and officers will aim to provide an update on findings by October.<\/p>\n
The centre on Beach Road is expected to be available for other uses by mid-2020, as the shire proceeds with the building of the Surf Coast Multipurpose Stadium in Torquay North.<\/p>\n
The evaluation will complement a 2015 Arts Space Feasibility Study and consider further matters including assessment of the stadium\u2019s condition and suitability for short-term repurposing as a theatre, funding, options for staged development and potential for operating a theatre in partnership with community groups.<\/p>\n
The study will engage with members of the arts community, including Torquay Theatre Troupe.<\/p>\n
Shire mayor David Bell said establishing a dedicated theatre and arts space remained a priority.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur 2015 study identified that Surf Coast Shire is under-supplied for dedicated arts spaces, yet we are listed as one of regional Australia\u2019s creative hot-spots.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe recognise the lack of a purpose-built theatre space, and the value of the arts in contributing to a thriving community.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to have a detailed look at whether the existing sport and recreation centre can be converted and what might be involved before we make any firm decisions.\u201d<\/p>\n
Councillors resolved at their July 24 meeting to proceed with the further work.<\/p>\n
The resolution comes following confirmation of $5 million in federal government funding that has accelerated plans for the new stadium, which will add three multi-use courts, administration, amenities and foyer areas to an existing one-court building next to Surf Coast Secondary College.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Surf Coast Shire will further evaluate the prospect of converting the Surf Coast Sport and Recreation Centre for use as a theatre. The council allocated $30,000 in its 2018-19 budget for the feasibility study, and officers will aim to provide an update on findings by October. The centre on Beach Road is expected to […]<\/p>\n