Million-dollar makeover

Huge bill less than two years after opening

A MILLION-DOLLAR upgrade is already waiting in the wings less than two years after the curtain was pulled back on the city’s most ambitious piece of theatrical infrastructure.

The Cairns Performing Arts Centre opened under a cloud of controversy in December 2018 after months of argument between Cairns Regional Council and the fire service over the building’s cladding and fire safety measures.

The fire service’s appeal was finally dismissed in May on the grounds that the investigating body did not have the jurisdiction to hear it, saving the council from spending about $1.5 million in safety upgrades.

Now the council wants to serve up $1 million in key upgrades — but they will not include changes to cladding or fire detection tools.

“Since opening in December 2018, the world-class venue has hosted a wide genre of performances, from international performers to local community groups and production companies,” a council spokesman said.

“Following feedback from the producers, performers and the audience, council will undertake works that will further enhance CPAC’s capabilities and the overall theatrical experience.”

The works program includes electrical system improvement to ensure uninterruptible power supply, installation of an additional metre and upgraded surge protection.

The works will revamp the venue’s sub-stage storage facilities, replace audio equipment transferred from the old Cairns Civic Theatre, and install additional speakers and amplifiers.

The council’s 2020-21 capital works budget also includes a $325,000 kitty to enhance the Cairns Botanic Gardens and a further $100,000 as part of an annual renewal of equipment at the Tanks Arts Centre.

Another $1.5 million has also been earmarked to complete work on the refurbishment of the former Courthouse Hotel building on Abbott St ahead of a hoped $40 million Cairns Gallery Precinct development.