Meet the man at the helm of the Western Sydney Performing Arts Centre
CONSTRUCTION of the new $100 million Western Sydney Performing Arts Centre head Craig McMaster says construction is on schedule, according to its newly appointed executive director.
The Standard
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CONSTRUCTION of the new $100 million Western Sydney Performing Arts Centre is on schedule and due to open late next year, according to its newly appointed executive director.
Craig McMaster said construction was “proceeding well and our program is right on schedule at present”.
“The mainly fine and dry weather we’ve experienced this year has meant that our builders, Hansen Yuncken, have been able to make great progress with the main foundation works and the slabs are now being poured,” he said.
“We expect to see her start to “come out of the ground” in the coming weeks.”
Construction of the 2000-seat theatre, which has been funded by the Rooty Hill RSL, began late last year on the corner of Sherbrooke St and Francis Rd in Rooty Hill.
Mr McMaster took up his role in early April and brings with him more than 30 years experience in the entertainment, theatre and venue management industry.
He said the opportunity was “a dream gig” and one that was “really impossible for me to turn down”.
“Significant cultural facilities are such big investments and it’s been a long time since we’ve seen a new one in Sydney,” he said.
“To have the opportunity to shape one from the ground up and then have the chance to lead it to become a major venue in the Australian entertainment landscape was truly an offer too good to refuse.”
Rooty Hill RSL group chief executive officer Richard Errington said the organisation believed Mr McMaster would be “an incredible asset to lead the new facility through its development, launch and ongoing operations”.
“Not only does Craig have significant experience in leadership and many years of commercial experience in the wider entertainment industry, working with a variety of market leaders in all facets of the performing arts industry, he also shares our passion for the importance such an amenity will provide to the Western Sydney community,” he said.
During the development and construction phase, Mr McMaster’s main priorities will be ensuring the “best possible design and facility”, recruiting staff, and engaging with the local community.
“While all this is happening, we are also developing our content program — which is ultimately my major focus,” he said.
“What sets a great theatre apart is the content that is on its stage … so my personal goal is to ensure that WSPAC becomes the centre of entertainment and the arts in Western Sydney.
“We’ve already had incredible enthusiasm and engagement from our industry partners, and we expect to have many exciting announcements as we head towards our opening in late 2019.”
For more information, visit wspac.com.au