Bundaberg council reveals plan for Blockbuster building

Redevelopment of Bundaberg’s Wintergarden Theatre, the old Blockbuster, will be among the first projects undertaken in the civic and cultural precinct.

The former Blockbuster building may hold a special place in the hearts of many Bundaberg residents, but the building itself predates DVDs or VHS, and the council plans for it to remain in the heart of the region for decades to come.

The heritage Wintergarden Theatre, the old Blockbuster, will be among the first projects undertaken for the Bundaberg Civic and Cultural Arts Precinct.

Council executive director of strategic projects and economic development Ben Artup said the council bought the building in 2019, and plans to turn it into a community hub with improved accessibility, while honouring the heritage of the infrastructure.

LOOKING BACK: Wintergarden Theatre in Maryborough Street. Source: Picture Bundaberg (bun01203).

Mr Artup said it was originally built as a theatre in the 1920s and the community hub project was set to help anchor the future vision for the precinct.

Mr Artup said design work was underway, with an estimated timeline of a fit-out halfway through next year and opened to community groups come 2023.

Of all the plans for the future precinct, he said this was the first “cab off the ranks” as one of their key projects they could do, so “why wait?”.

He said it was important to have community groups in the precinct as the “civic heart” should be representative of the region’s social fabric.

Mr Artup said the community hub should celebrate the role these groups play in the community, in the centre of the precinct.

LOOKING BACK: Wedding party in front of the Wintergarden Theatre. Source: Picture Bundaberg (bun02761).

He said decisions on which groups would be filling the hub hadn’t been determined, but it would be community groups.

While there wasn’t an costing figure currently available, Mr Artup said while dealing with heritage buildings can be expensive, it was a worthwhile project.

He said they were looking to preserve a lot of the original artwork and architecture from the 1920s building.

LOOKING BACK: Opening of the Wintergarden Theatre 1929. Source: Picture Bundaberg (bun00092)

With preservation high on Mr Artup’s agenda, he said in 50-100 years time, the building would be even more impressive and nostalgic as it could reflect the region’s past.

The NewsMail previously reported the Civic and Cultural Arts Precinct project was estimated to cost $55.1 million for a new gallery, new performing arts centre and new council office.

The precinct featured on the council’s 2020 advocacy list.

Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey previously said if the council can secure funding for a new Civic and Cultural Arts Precinct, it would create a vibrant community hub in the Bundaberg CBD.

“The idea is to revitalise the central part of the city and provide a stronger connection with the river through an integrated precinct-based approach,” he said.

“The existing art gallery needs a refresh.

“Cultural arts facilities are the heart and soul of any community.

“New investments in the precinct will help inspire our city, recognise our past and imagine our bright future.”