THE Surf Coast Shire will build its Cultural Facility and Library project in stages and is seeking $9 million in state government funding to help deliver the first stage.<\/p>\n
To be located at 77 Beach Road Torquay, the facility will include a larger library, Australian National Surfing Museum, Visitor Information and Arts Facility and will deliver social connections, increased visitation and a boost for the Surf City Precinct.<\/p>\n
According to the officers\u2019 report presented to councillors at their meeting on Tuesday last week, a facility at that scope and scale has been initially estimated to cost more than $50 million.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis cost estimate means delivering such a project is unlikely or perhaps unattainable in the current funding environment,\u201d the report states.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor this reason, the investigative work done to date concludes that retaining the vision of a four in one facility and delivering it in two stages is the preferred and most achievable option.\u201d<\/p>\n
Councillors resolved on a staged approach to deliver the overall vision of the building.<\/p>\n
The existing Multi Arts Centre in the former sport and recreation building will receive the first upgrade, with $1.4 million investment from the federal government\u2019s 2022 Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program so it becomes a more fit-for-purpose arts facility.<\/p>\n
Following this, stage one will deliver a new library, Australian National Surf Museum, Visitor Information Centre, maker spaces and rehearsal spaces worth $33 million expected in 2024.<\/p>\n
The council will pursue $9 million in funding from the state government\u2019s Growing Suburbs Fund ($7.5 million) and Living Libraries Infrastructure Program ($1.5 million for stage one) and has committed just over $8 million of its own money through these grant applications.<\/p>\n
Stage two is expected in 2030 and will deliver a fully developed new 250-seat theatre, new gallery and an artist-in-residence area. This is estimated to cost $21 million and the council will need to secure future funding to help deliver the state-of-the-art facility.<\/p>\n
Cr Rose Hodge said this was a huge step for the vibrant local arts community and creative industries.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe heard loud and clear through developing the Council Plan that arts and creativity is a huge part of our Surf Coast Shire communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cKicking off this project with substantial funding applications brings the dream closer to reality and will deliver such great social, cultural and economic benefits to the Surf Coast Shire.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know our creatives will uses these spaces as will local families and visitors to our region. This increased visitation to a new and exciting facility will deliver strong benefits for the precinct, the town and the municipality.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Surf Coast Shire will build its Cultural Facility and Library project in stages and is seeking $9 million in state government funding to help deliver the first stage. To be located at 77 Beach Road Torquay, the facility will include a larger library, Australian National Surfing Museum, Visitor Information and Arts Facility and will […]<\/p>\n