$25,000 Study On Arts Centre
Newcastle Herald
Tuesday November 6, 2007
LAKE Macquarie's performing arts centre may be replaced under a new cultural plan.
Lake Macquarie City Council resolved last night to exhibit the draft Lake Macquarie Cultural Plan 2007-2013.The plan includes a $25,000 feasibility study into a "purpose built performing arts centre".The Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre opened at Warners Bay in 2001, costing $900,000.Cr Mercia Buck said the 300-seat centre was inadequate"It was a community hall that had a makeover," Cr Buck said."The orchestra pit floods, there is inadequate lighting and the airconditioning always breaks down."Cr Buck said a 500-seat centre was needed, possibly at Glendale, Charlestown or Warners Bay.The cultural plan said the community had expressed a desire for a purpose-built performing arts centre."During community consultation . . . there were suggestions that the present performing arts centre did not have much life to it," the plan said. It said the existing arts centre was booked for 112 days in 2006, an occupancy rate of 31.5 per cent."Throughout 2007, usage rates have steadily increased," the plan said.The plan suggests using marketing strategies to improve the existing arts centre.More than $2 million would be spent on expanding the Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery at Booragul to include a theatrette and offices.About $215,000 would be spent on a sculpture park at the art gallery. Additionally, $50,000 would be spent on two library plans.Developers would erect public art in key community and recreational areas and the council would seek historical photographs and memorabilia to add to its online collection.
© 2007 Newcastle Herald