$28m plan to flip sport centre into arts hub
A SURF Coast Shire proposal to transform a former Torquay sports centre into a new $28m four-in-one cultural facility will draw on community input to shape the project.
The centre will include a larger library, arts facility, Australian National Surfing Museum and visitor information centre.
The development, expected to cost between $22.4m and $33.5m, is set to be built at the former Surf Coast Sport and Recreation Centre on Beach Road. The council is currently developing a concept and business case, with the next phase of planning to
provide more accurate costs.
Mayor Libby Stapleton said the centre would deliver social and economic benefits.
“This is a really exciting project for our shire that will create a much-needed dedicated arts and cultural facility, as well as an expanded library, which will complement the
Surf City precinct and serve our growing community into the future,” she said.
“We have a really active arts community and this will deliver great opportunities for the arts. Also, libraries now are such vibrant places. They are places where people come together, share ideas and knowledge, access technology and have creative experiences.”
The council is also working with key groups such as the arts community, surrounding businesses and residents and the Geelong Regional Library Corporation on the project.
Other technical research, including a traffic study, site survey, economic considerations and benchmarking other facilities will be undertaken through March to May.
A number of site plans are set to be revealed in May or June for public comment before the council makes a decision on the preferred concept design in September.
The council has entered into a lease with the Multi Arts Centre to operate a community-led arts facility at the former sport centre while it plans for its longer-term use.
The temporary facility, which includes a black box theatre, art gallery, local art shop and meeting/workshop room, opens to the public on March 27.