Whitehorse Centre’s $78 million plans approved by council

COUNCILLORS have voted to spend almost $80 million redeveloping the Whitehorse Centre.

The Whitehorse Centre exterior. Picture: David Crosling

COUNCILLORS have voted to spend almost $80 millions redeveloping the Whitehorse Centre.

Councillors were asked to decide between spending $78 million on a complete redevelopment which, among other things, would expand the theatre size to 600 seats and include a multi-deck carpark, or spending $14 million on essential refurbishment works to keep the existing building operational for another eight to ten years.

After much debate, councillors voted seven votes to two (one council seat remains vacant following Tanya Tescher’s resignation) in favour of the complete redevelopment, with councillors Bill Bennett and Andrew Davenport the only ones to oppose the motion.

Cr Davenport said the redeveloped Whitehorse Centre would be a “white elephant”, while Cr Ben Stennett likened the refurbishment option to “a pig with lipstick”.

“At the end of the day it’s still a pig,” Cr Stennett said.

“We shouldn’t be wasting ratepayer money on short-term band aid solutions which will just bring us back to here.

“The redevelopment is the only option as the centre needs a substantial upgrade to meet the community’s needs in the future.”

Cr Andrew Munroe said Whitehorse had a track record of delivering big budget projects on time.

“Council can run these projects. Aqualink Box Hill was completed on budget and sooner than expected,” Cr Munroe said.

Cr Bennett, however, said while the centre does need work, the $78 million option was a “massive extravagance’’.

Cr Bennett also said the multi-deck carpark would be a blight on the natural landscape” of the area.

Cr Tina Liu said spending $14 million on the refurbishment was a “short sighted” short-term solution which will not even address all of the issues in the existing building.

Community members in the gallery had mixed reactions to the vote.

Whitehorse Residents and Ratepayers Association president Phil Brabin said he was very concerned with the amount of money being spent.

“It’s fraught with economic danger,” Mr Brabin said.

“I think it’s a gross betrayal of people’s concerns and interests.”

Whitehorse resident and musical theatre performer Richard Thomas said the Whitehorse Centre was a once “reputable venue” when he first performed there in 1998, however it was now “virtually unworkable” and the redevelopment was needed.

“When this new centre is built — not if, but when — it will be the jewel in the crown of our local area,” Mr Thomas said.

“You have heard the people sing ... it’s time to get on with the show,” he said.