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First step for cultural centre

David Gear, Wanneroo TimesWanneroo Times

A performing arts centre in Joondalup has long been proposed and in 2006 the City bought land on Kendrew Crescent, with a view to building a centre on the site.

In 2010, Joondalup council formed a steering committee to oversee planning and design of the facility.

A committee report was presented to council at its meeting last week, including a feasibility study conducted by consultants, Pracsys.

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Pracsys used Australian Bureau of Statistics data on culture and arts participation and population projections to assess demand for regional cultural facilities.

‘The research undertaken for the market analysis and feasibility study indicates there is currently a significant under-provision of performing arts and cultural facilities within the northern corridor,’ the report said.

The analysis found evidence Joondalup residents were travelling outside the City to go to cultural events.

Pracsys examined two designs for the centre, an ‘art box’ or traditional design.

It is proposed the ‘art box’ option would include an 850-seat theatre and a 200-seat theatre, a dedicated art gallery and catering area.

An estimate for the ‘art box’ design was $78 million.

The smaller, traditional design proposal includes a 550-seat and a 200-seat theatre estimated at $58 million.

Ongoing costs to run and maintain the facility was estimated to be $496,000.

Pracsys recommended the City investigate further into what design would be most suitable.

The council voted to continue investigating design options and requested a social impact study.

Joondalup chief executive Garry Hunt told the meeting the City would seek to attract capital funding from the State and Federal Governments to help build the centre.