Facelift for CoCA kicks off

THE company responsible for JCU’s Cairns Institute and Hobart’s MONA gallery has been tasked with bringing the Centre of Contemporary Arts building into the 21st century and kickstarting an emerging CBD cultural hub.

The Department of Housing and Public Works announced Hansen Yuncken will spearhead a $5 million facelift to be completed later this year.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the completion of the Abbott St development will complement the recentlyopened $71 million Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

“This is fantastic and adds to the (Cairns Performing Arts Centre.) The city really is starting to get a roll on,” he said.

The Department of Environment and Science said the building’s facade would be redesigned to reflect an indigenous performing arts focus.

“A revitalised CoCA will strengthen the local arts sector and help expand cultural tourism in Far North Queensland, opening up new performance and creative opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists,” a spokeswoman said.

JUTE Theatre Company and KickArts Contemporary Arts have been confirmed as tenants with other occupants to be confirmed at a later date.

Paradiso Cafe has been offered a lease at the refurbished centre and a staged opening is expected later in 2019.