Council launches inquiry into HOTA’s management of $37.5m ratepayer asset

HOTA’s stage will be reviewed after council received an unsolicited proposal for private management of the under-utilised asset, following cost blowouts at the precinct.

A review is to be conducted by council on why the $37.5m HOTA outdoor stage is under-utilised, with plans to outsource its management.

Mayor Tom Tate in a mayoral minute at full council at the Evandale chambers on Tuesday flagged the investigation which could see more use from community groups along with musicians and performers.

The Home of the Arts outdoor stage at Evandale on the Gold Coast. Photo: Supplied

Councillors have backed the review which will see city officers explore:

* Possible future operating models and partnerships.

* The role of the HOTA Board if an external operator was to become involved.

* Potential improvements needed at the venue.

* The current HOTA funding and licence agreement.

Mayor Tate said the city was determined to see the stage better used during the Covid-19 pandemic recovery.

“When we invested in this asset, we envisaged a vibrant space, constantly activated with live music, performances and other cultural experiences,” Cr Tate told the Bulletin.

“Many days, it is under-utilised and while we aren’t looking to lay blame, now is the time to review its operating model.

A ‘welcome home’ to Gold Coast Olympic and Paralympic athletes at HOTA in early October, 2021. Picture: Kyle Wisniewski

“Covid-19 has definitely contributed but after almost four years in operation, it’s time to take a look at what opportunities are out there for this unique and stunning structure.”

Opened in March 2018, the outdoor stage is a versatile performance space with a full theatrical fit out, offering both indoor and outdoor options for events, installations and performances.

It is currently managed by HOTA. The officer’s findings will be provided to council in early 2022.

Cr Tate said he has received “an unsolicited proposal from a private company to operate the HOTA outdoor stage” and now was the time to conduct a review.

Part of it would determine any extra infrastructure for medium and small sized acts to “plug in and play” at the facility.

Reports in the Bulletin earlier this year showed the hidden costs of operating HOTA amounted to about $20m a year.

The council’s current budget provides almost $6m for the planning and designs of future ­stages of the cultural precinct at Bundall.

The new gallery which opened in May cost $60.5m.

Councillors while supportive of the cultural asset which can bring new tourism to the city are questioning some of the costs.

Neil Finn backed by an orchestra at an open-air show at HOTA. Picture: Luke Marsden.

A Bulletin report in September revealed there was a $500,000 blowout to get one of the world’s biggest private art exhibitions to the gallery.

Many councillors were furious on learning the city faces an extra impost in securing the world premiere of the Contemporary Masters from New York, featuring iconic artists Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

HOTA chair Professor Ned Pankhurst wrote to the council seeking additional funding to ensure the safe transport of the collection from New York to the Coast.

Sources at the time suggested the request to the mayoral office had stunned city leaders.

The state, lit up at night.

In the latest development this month, former deputy premier Jackie Trad has been added to the HOTA’s board in her first significant posting since her shock exit from state politics.

She will replace US-based director Fady Hanna.

In other changes, Mr Pankhurst has resigned “out of the blue”. His deputy Kate Brennan will become acting chair until a permanent appointment is made in 2022.

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