Have your say on performing arts discussion paper

The discussion paper says a performing arts centre should be in the CBD.

Investigations into a performing arts space have been ongoing since 2015.

A discussion paper on what the region needs in terms of indoor and outdoor performance spaces will be out for public feedback from tomorrow.

It comes as Coffs Harbour City Councillors and sectors of the community remain divided on the merits of the proposed $76.5m Cultural and Civic Space.

Some critics say it should house a performing arts space instead of council offices.

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The discussion paper, which will be on public exhibition until February 28, has identified that a growing regional city like ours should have a theatre of approximately 600 to 1,000 capacity while also retaining the Jetty Memorial Theatre.

 

Performing Arts Centre should be in the CBD

Consultants also identified a need to plan for a Performing Arts Centre in Coffs Harbour.

The fit-for-purpose centre would take approximately six years and cost between $50m to $60m in 2019 figures.

The centre would cost between $850,000 and $2,000,000 to operate per year but would provide significant economic, social and cultural benefits to the region.

The discussion paper also says that any performing arts centre should be in the Coffs Harbour CBD, which consultants say aligns with the City Centre Masterplan adopted in 2013, sound fundamental planning principles and industry best practice - which recommends the location of any new major performing arts space to be in central locations with easy access to restaurants, café, retail outlets and other entertainment activity.

The paper also concludes that the availability and facilities at outdoor performing arts spaces in the Coffs Harbour area is good and extra resources such as available fencing would complement outdoor performance sites.

 

Investigations ongoing since 2015

Investigations into a performing arts space have been ongoing since 2015.

In February 2017, Council embarked on an independent Issues and Options paper to seek clarity on the purpose, type and size of the proposed facility.

In 2018, the scope of this was expanded to include outdoor performing arts spaces.

Hawkridge Entertainment Services, a specialist entertainment industry consultancy, drew up the interim Issues and Options document after consultation with around 30 organisations and individuals that hire venues across the Coffs Harbour area for performing arts activities.

These included schools and education institutions, community theatre groups, community music performance groups, eisteddfod groups, dance schools, local and national promoters and national producers.

 

An image from the new Coffs Harbour City Council website dedicated to providing information on the Cultural and Civic Space.

The full interim Issues and Options for Performing Arts Spaces report can be viewed and submissions made on Council's Have your Say website from December 18.

Public consultation and information sessions will also be held during February 2020. Details will be advertised and will also be placed on the Have your Say website.

A further report on the outcomes of the consultation is expected to be brought back to Council for consideration by May 2020.