IT’S been talked about for 14 years but as yet there’s been no action. That could all change tomorrow night if Council supports moves to secure a performing arts space for Goulburn.
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General manager Warwick Bennett has delved into the vault of unresolved local projects.
At tomorrow’s meeting he will recommend that Council lodge an expression of interest to buy the old TAFE building on the corner of Bourke and Verner Streets.
The structure, now housing the Goulburn Regional Conservatorium, was previously investigated for a performing arts area but put aside for lack of funding.
The push is back on.
Last week, Mr Bennett and Mayor Geoff Kettle met with the TAFE Illawarra institute director to gauge interest in selling the building for community use.
“TAFE have no plans for the building themselves – in fact have declared it surplus to their operational needs in the future now that they are well established in Verner St,” Mr Bennett states in his report.
He told the Post he’d be surprised if TAFE wanted less than market value. Council has $733,132 in a performing arts reserve, set aside following sale of the Lilac Time Hall in 2000.
The fund has been accruing interest since and more was expected soon following a review of reserves, corporate services director Brendan Hollands confirmed.
Mayor Geoff Kettle said he previously offered TAFE $1 but this was rejected. However, authorities were willing to talk.
If TAFE accepts the expression of interest, Council will enlist a valuer and building expert, the latter to assess condition.
No action will be taken until councillors consider both reports.
“TAFE needs to be aware that there are not a lot of buyers out there for that type of building,” Mr Bennett said.
“It’s a liability in terms of maintenance cost so they have to decide what market value is most appropriate.”
Once agreement is reached, the Minister has to sign off on the sale.
If more than $733,132, Council would have to fund the extras or approach private parties.
Mr Bennett did not rule out a “significant” council contribution.
Adaptations for a performance space in the old ceramics room are estimated to cost $1.2 million to $1.5m. Ideally it would seat 200 to 250 people.
Local architect Garry Dutaillis has already drawn up plans at the Con’s and Council’s request.
Conservatorium director Paul Scott-Williams said these included a new foyer, amenities, change areas and alterations to the roof to accommodate technical requirements.
Retractable seating and acoustic improvements were among other changes needed.
“It needs to be an adaptable, movable space so it can not only accommodate theatrical performances but orchestra and even dance,” Mr Scott-Williams said.
“…It certainly is a frustration for people in Goulburn who want to see the performing arts grow and evolve that we don’t have a suitable space.”
He said groups such as the Eisteddfod Society and indeed the Con, were restricted in their endeavours. There was nowhere for chamber orchestras to perform, for example, if Goulburn could secure them.
But Mr Scott-Williams was quick to dispel any perception the space would be just for the Con; Council’s intention was for community use.
“I think it can be viable,” he said.
“There are lots of things happening with African drumming and multicultural music events and next year the Con has its 30th anniversary. We find ourselves chafing against the restrictions in Goulburn and we’re not talking things that are bigger than Ben Hur.”
He believed there wasn’t a theatre space above 200 seats in the region.
The challenge was to find funds for the building’s upkeep.
“She’s a beautiful old girl that requires upkeep and we weren’t provided money for that,” Mr Scott-Williams said.
“It’s had a leaky roof and a few other problems so it would be good to address those and ensure that we have some stability…We’d be very happy to be part of a consortium to apply for funding.”
The Con has a 50-year lease in the 1901 Walter Liberty Vernon designed building.