Performing Arts Centre (PAC)

This consultation is now closed.

Project Update Summary February 2023

Following Council endorsement to proceed with the proposal to build a Performing Arts Centre at Morialta Secondary College, Council engaged consultants to undertake concept design and scoping work. The Draft Concept Design included:

• 350-500 seat arch proscenium theatre
• Orchestra pit
• Loading dock
• Wings, dressing rooms and office space
• Foyer with gallery space
• Base technology
• Environmentally sustainable design

This work resulted in a revised cost estimate of $30 million (from the original $24 million estimate), increased operating costs of $400,000 (from the original estimate of $200,000) and a reduction in car parking spaces from 100 to 60. On 5 September 2022 Council endorsed the Draft Concept Design for Community consultation. You can view the concept and further information from page 95 here. Immediately following this was Council Election Caretaker Period (which precludes community consultation from occurring) and then the festive season.

At its 17 January 2023 meeting, Council moved the commencement of investigating grant funding opportunities and that proceeding with the Performing Arts Centre is dependent upon obtaining grants equivalent to 50% of the capital cost.

Following this, at its 7 February 2023 meeting, Council moved to:

1. cease all work on a proposed Performing Arts Centre on the Morialta Secondary College site
2. advise the Department for Education (and other Government stakeholders) that Council is no longer pursuing the establishment of a Performing Arts Centre on the site of the Morialta Secondary College and thank them for their efforts to date
3. explore the development of a new Community Hub (to include but not limited to a new Council Administration Centre and Performing Arts Centre) at the current location of the Council Offices at Rostrevor
4. in exploring the new Community Hub consider options that include revenue generating opportunities and co-working spaces
5. consider allocating $300,000 in the draft 2023/2024 Annual Business Plan and Budget to prepare Concept Plans and cost estimates.

Background

Our Community is growing and has expressed a desire for a facility where they can enjoy performances, arts and culture, and also, in some cases, perform themselves. Older people in particular are looking for a venue where they can enjoy live performances or movies during the day. Fostering and supporting arts and culture will provide activities and entertainment for residents, stimulate economic activity, and is an important element of Council’s vision to be a ‘safe, sustainable, vibrant Community.’

Council engaged an external consultant in mid 2021 to undertake a Study (Feasibility Study) to determine whether there was a need for a PAC in the Council area, and whether it would be affordable and viable. The Study was informed by focus groups held with local users, and considered social and economic benefits, and potential costs. The Study found that there is a demand for a PAC in the Council area.

After considering the Study, Council endorsed the engagement of an architect to develop a concept design and costings for a PAC. At the same time Council also endorsed Staff to continue discussions with the DfE (Department for Education) to determine whether a PAC could be constructed at the site of the new School (Morialta Secondary College) at Rostrevor, that meets the needs of both Council and School Communities.

During December 2021 and January 2022 Council asked the Community what they thought about a proposal to build a 500 seat Performing Arts Centre at the Morialta Secondary College site. The approximate cost to Council to build up to a 500 seat theatre is ~$24 million. This represents a significant investment for Council so it was important that we asked what the Community think about the proposal at the early stage, before proceeding further. The consultation revealed:

• 82% of survey respondents said that they enjoy live performances, arts and cultural experiences, and are likely to attend these in the local area
• 85% of Respondents support the establishment of a PAC in the Council area
• 81% support the proposed partnership with DfE
• 81% support the proposed size and cost.

At its meeting on 1 February Council considered the community engagement outcomes and unanimously carried the following motions:

That Council:

1. note the Community engagement outcomes and the strong Community support for construction of a Performing Arts Centre as proposed
2. endorse Staff to continue discussions with the Department for Education to progress to the next stage of the project, which includes development of draft Concept Plans, Memoranda of Understanding and a Lease Agreement
3. authorise the Chief Executive Officer to commission a Prudential Report at the appropriate time
4. provide in principle support for the Performing Arts Centre at the Morialta Secondary College site subject to:

• a further report to Council advising of the cost estimate to develop the detailed design for the Performing Arts Centre
• Council receiving and considering the Prudential Report.

You can view the Community Engagement Outcomes report in the Key Documents section of this page (titled Council-Agenda-1-February-2022-extract).