Jetty Memorial Theatre expansion plans revealed
A major overhaul at the Jetty Memorial Theatre has taken a major step forward after years of planning. Here’s what’s in store.
Coffs Harbour
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A bid to expand Coffs Harbour’s historic Jetty Memorial Theatre has taken a significant step forward.
Coffs Harbour City councillors voted unanimously at Thursday’s council meeting to apply for a state government grant to fund the desperately needed upgrade.
The work is expected to cost $4,907,000.
A development application for the work has been approved but it can’t start until the cost of construction is funded.
The council will contribute $2.4 million if the government grant is approved.
The main focus of the expansion will be the inclusion of a much-needed rehearsal space which will also act as a community facility available for hire when not in use.
It will feature a performance space the same width as the main stage.
The theatre’s outdoor covered area will be replaced with a foyer, and the storage, workshop and set assembly areas will be weatherproofed and expanded to allow for safer and easier logistics during performances.
There’s be an expansion of the existing kiosk, an addition of a kitchen servery, the doubling of amenities and new parking spaces.
“Essentially this investment will upgrade and expand existing cultural infrastructure enabling a greater fit-for-purpose theatre venue and will ensure increased access and participation to a quality theatre space for our local performing arts communities, touring artists and audiences,” the report before councillors on Thursday read.
It comes at the same time a scoping study is being undertaken by council for a future indoor entertainment venue, The Coffs Harbour Entertainment Venue.
A proposal which was adopted at a September council meeting recommended a minimum size of 2500sq m and a flexible performance space with raked seating for up to 700 people, or 820 in both standing and seating format.
The council is looking for a suitable location for the venue in the Coffs CBD.
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