$11.5m facelift for arts centre

An $11.5 million redevelopment of the West Gippsland Arts Centre has been supported by Baw Baw Shire Council.

But, the major redevelopment will be dependent on government grants and community fundraising.

Plans were unveiled last week for the project that will see arts centre seating capacity increased from 480 to 750.

The redevelopment aims to integrate the arts centre into the Civic Park and Civic Place precinct by relocating the entrance, café and outdoor access to face the park.

Plans also show new foyers to the south side of the auditorium, rear stalls and balcony; improved disability access and wheelchair spaces; creating new conference and function spaces; and improving technical facilities and back stage areas.

Council will launch a community and philanthropic fundraising campaign for the redevelopment, and also will seek state and federal government grants.

Designs prepared by Williams Ross Architects aim to improve the facility while maintaining the building’s original architectural intent.

Council voted unanimously to support the redevelopment, which is consistent with a broader master plan for the Civic Place precinct.

A report to council; said the arts centre redevelopment had been one of the community’s and council’s key projects for many years.

“Redevelopment of the site will enable greater community access to the site, and greater opportunity for a wider number of shows, events and conferences to be held on the site.”

Cr Mikaela Power said the arts centre was an important asset to the community.

She said if people had the opportunity to donate to a community fundraising project then they had the opportunity to feel connected.

Cr Tricia Jones said there was no doubt there was a great appreciation for the arts centre in the community and what it had given the community over the past 30 years.

She said the dress circle seating was included in the original plan

Cr Jones said importantly council had to show the community where the money was being spent because they wanted value for money.

Cr Jones said community fundraising for the arts centre in the 1970s did not reach the aspired target so council had to make up the difference.

She said she would be seeking a cap on any council funding for the project.

Cr Joe Gauci said council received a government grant to develop the design and concept plans.

“To get state and federal funding we have to have a business plan and designs.

“Rob Robson (arts centre manager) has done business plans and has proved that it economically stands up.

“This is one of our icons in the town and we want to keep the original shape of the building,” he said.

Cr Murray Cook, who was a member of the original building committee, said the redevelopment would make the building more efficient to cater for more people.

He said the community was growing and council had to do something.

Cr Debbie Brown said the arts centre was a valuable community resource, bringing the community together, inspiring creativity and attracting visitors and new residents to the Shire.

“Through this redevelopment council aims to enhance this valuable cultural asset to increase visitation through a wider range of performances, events and conferences, which the facility will be fully equipped to deliver.”

A number of community members representing the arts encouraged council to support the redevelopment.

John Parker said the project was an important next step. He acknowledged the vision of a small group of people that worked hard to develop the arts centre and the council of the time who supported it.

He said the shire had less than 2000 people aged over 60 when it was built. By 2031, he said there would be more than 20,000 people living in the shire aged over 60.

Mr Parker said a redevelopment that provided additional access points and a lift was needed.

Trafalgar Community Development Association president David Lyons spoke about the importance of the arts centre in providing entertainment opportunities for the shire’s smaller towns.

Jeannie Haughton emphasised the training, development and employment opportunities that an expanded centre could offer, and Jo Draisma spoke of her experience with Warragul Youth Theatre and Warragul North Primary School concerts.