Coffs Harbour’s Yarrila Place opening date revealed

Love it or lump it, you’ve got to see it for yourself. Here’s when you can take a look inside Coffs Harbour’s grand new civic space, Yarrila Place.

The public can take a look at Coffs Harbour's Yarrila Place on September 16.

Coffs Harbour residents will get the chance to tour the city’s grand new civic space Yarrila Place on September 16.

The building which will house a museum, art gallery, library and City of Coffs Harbour council services has been a subject of controversy for years.

Through all that it has slowly taken shape and is now a fresh landmark as the face of the regional city continues to change.

On Monday, the council announced details of the building’s public premiere – and said the project has come in on budget at $81.3 million.

The city has trumpeted the building as world class, while its detractors have slammed it as the green monster on Gordon St.

Residents backing the build have remarked on its flowing lines, soft colour scheme and the need for modern museum and gallery facilities, including a library, which will take over three levels.

Coffs Harbour’s Matthew Blair of BVN has been the lead architect for the project which has been constructed by Lipman Pty Ltd.

Construction of City of Coffs Harbour's controversial Yarrila Place building continued at pace in February. Picture: Chris Knight

“Ever since Yarrila Place was approved, it has been our mission to make sure it delivered as much value for the community as possible,” Mayor Paul Amos said.

“Yarrila Place will deliver new opportunities for the Coffs region for years to come and we now need to ensure that this investment in the future of our LGA lives up to its potential.

Mayor Paul Amos said the new civic space is a landmark build for Coffs Harbour. Picture: Chris Knight

“Yarrila Place can and must be a hub for lifelong learning, a beacon for arts and a place where creativity, commerce and community initiatives can thrive for years to come.”

The new museum and gallery – collectively known as Yarrila Arts and Museum (YAM) – will attract national quality exhibitions, workshops and events to Coffs Harbour, according to the council.

City of Coffs Harbour general manager Natalia Cowley said the civic space will be a boon for the CBD. Picture: Chris Knight

Each will offer experiences usually only available in capital cities.

The Yarrila Place project debate is similar to the contention seen in Port Macquarie over the decision to build its Glasshouse performance space. Even the beloved Sydney Opera House had its detractors back in the day.

The council’s general manager Natalia Cowle said: “It will bring our city to life.”

The interior lights switched on as Yarrila Place powered up in May. Picture: Chris Knight

“Well-designed cultural facilities such as libraries, museums and art galleries contribute to regional growth by increasing the attractiveness and liveability of an area, as well as supporting business investment in the surrounding areas,” she said.

Yarrila Place is one of the anchor builds aimed at rejuvenating the Coffs CBD, along with the C.ex residential and commercial tower project.

“When cultural and civic facilities are placed together in a city’s central location, they not only activate each other, they breathe life into the whole area,” Ms Cowley said.

“Yarrila Place makes a breathtaking statement on City of Coffs Harbour’s growing role as a leading regional city and tourism destination.”

Further details about the official opening will be released closer to the date.