Marian Street Theatre Killara in fresh budget blowout as supporters rally for work to begin

The redevelopment of a historic north shore theatre is at the centre of a fresh budget blowout with the cost of the project soaring 20 per cent over the last two years.

The redevelopment of a historic north shore theatre is at the centre of a fresh budget blowout with the cost of the project soaring 20 per cent over the last two years.

A report by Ku-ring-gai Council has revealed the cost of rebuilding the Marian Street Theatre in Killara has topped $21.9 million – a $5.7 million increase from the $16.3 million council forecast in 2020.

The council has attributed the escalating costs to increasingly expensive design fees, trade costs, new audio and lighting, and theatre equipment.

A concept plans of the theatre redevelopment.

The report flagged a likelihood of further cost escalations, largely driven by industry wide issues arising from supply chain constraints and labour shortages, along with the challenges of redeveloping an “old theatre building”.

The redevelopment of the 116-year-old site has been in the works for almost a decade after the doors of the council-owned site closed to live performances in 2013 for urgent upgrades to address its deteriorating state.

Prior to the last curtain call, the theatre had operated for more than 40 years and was previously a public hall, operating since 1906.

The development would include an outdoor amphitheatre.

The council has already spent $1.4 million in costs relating to the development to date – despite no major physical works taking place.

The latest report comes after local councillors voted against a proposal to suspend work on the project for three months to carry out further consultation and assessments.

John Townend, a member of the Save Marian Street Theatre Committee, said ongoing delays to the project had caused uncertainty for local theatre performers who are currently using schools, public halls and travelling as far as Thornleigh to perform.

The theatre closed its doors in 2013.

“Every time the council looks at it, it seems to be getting more expensive but we think getting the theatre up and running is the priority – especially when building costs are rising eight per cent per year. You don’t want to keep delaying it,” he said.

“It’s the only functioning community theatre in Ku-ring-gai and there are a lot of people in the community who rely on it.

“We’re a cultural desert in Ku-ring-gai and as far as the redevelopment goes there isn’t a Plan B. The community has been promised it would be reopened from the time it was closed.

A concept plans of the redevelopment.

“The sporting facilities around here have had enormous amounts of money put aside for them which is understandable, but we need cultural spaces as well.”

Ku-ring-gai Mayor Jeff Pettett recognised the challenges over the funding but has previously supported pushing ahead with the project.

“The biggest hurdle is the funding and we can deal with that down the track, but we won’t get to that point if we keep on stopping (the project)” he said at a council meeting earlier this year.

John Townend (right) wants to see the project proceed.

“The wider community wants this done; they are overall happy with this concept and design. We’re down to almost the finishing line to getting it underway.”

Ku-ring-gai Council, which lodged the redevelopment proposal, said the upgrade would cater for both professional artists and emerging talent, contributing to the social interaction and wellbeing of local residents.

The redevelopment would include upgrades to the current theatre, a new theatrette with 63 seats, a rehearsal space, cafe, and an outdoor amphitheatre.

Asset sales contributing to the project’s cost including selling off the former Gordon and East Roseville bowling club sites which have been earmarked for new housing.

A council spokeswoman said it was “too early to understand what the implications might be” on the council’s other budget priorities if costs continue to rise.

The report is also forecasting ongoing operational costs related to the redevelopment, estimated to cost about $700,000 per year through operation subsidies.

Councillors will consider the report and how to proceed with the project at a meeting next week.