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Architect for arts centre selected

Tyler Brown, Joondalup TimesWanneroo Times

Joondalup Council agreed at last Tuesday’s meeting to endorse Ashton Raggatt McDougall Pty Ltd (ARM Architecture) as the winner of the design competition and authorised the City to enter negotiations to determine fees and a program for a modified conceptual design.

It was also noted the City would establish a design reference group to work with ARM Architecture and help with the development of the conceptual design.

‘The City has already been approached by several members of the community with relevant experience who have indicated interest in taking part in such a group,’ Mayor Troy Pickard said.

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The competition design brief included an 850-seat lyric theatre, a 200-seat ‘black box’ theatre, rehearsal spaces that could cater for small performances and community activities, an art gallery, bar and catering facilities, offices, and car parking.

ARM Architecture was one of four companies, which were given $10,000 each to contribute to the costs of preparing their submissions, that made it to stage two of the competition and was voted the winner by the evaluation panel and the public.

Cr Kerry Hollywood said ARM Architecture, also responsible for Perth Arena and Elizabeth Quay, had an ‘amazing design’ and the building would be the ‘showcase of Joondalup’.

‘The clever way they have incorporated the car parking into the building design is just amazing,’ she said.

‘Entry can be made from each floor to different sections of the building and will help with patronage entering and exiting the centre without overcrowding.’

A council document said the ARM Architecture design reflected the aspirations of the City.

‘The design interfaces well with the streetscape and fits in with both Central Park and the Jinan Garden, which is incorporated into the overall design,’ it said.

The document also recommended councillors consider Joondalup MLA Jan Norberger as an observer of the centre’s steering committee to raise the profile of the project.

Mr Pickard moved an amendment to appoint Mr Norberger as a member, rather than an observer.

‘Appointing someone as an observer is maybe a bit tokenistic,’ he said.

‘I think it would be a stronger gesture for the City to appoint the local member for Joondalup as a member.

‘It sends a stronger message of engagement from the council to the State Government, which will play an important role in the project.’

This was supported by 12 councillors, with Cr Brian Corr voting against.

A social impact assessment of the facility will now be undertaken and a new project program timetable will be developed following negotiations with ARM Architecture.