The Brumby Labor Government will inject $4.8 million into the $8.8 million redevelopment of the Warrnambool Entertainment Centre to help generate more than $3 million for the local economy.
Announcing the funding today, Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan said the redevelopment would provide a modern entertainment venue for one of the fastest growing regional centres in Australia and generate eight new jobs once complete.
“The Brumby Labor Government is working to secure the lifestyles of Warrnambool residents by ensuring the local economy remains strong, and what better way than to rejuvenate an iconic community facility,” she said. “The revitalisation will help boost annual ticket sales by about 30,000,
host up to 300 community functions per year, and generate more than $3
million for the local economy.”
“The existing 26-year-old facility has served residents well but the revitalisation will help boost annual ticket sales by about 30,000, host up to 300 community functions per year, and generate more than $3 million for the local economy.”
Ms Allan said the redevelopment would provide enhanced opportunities for various community groups to gather, including local performers and artists.
“The redeveloped centre will create new opportunities for professional and local artists, and it will also serve business and community groups who need a modern venue to host a function,” she said.
The redevelopment includes:
• Revamping the public spaces at street level with a significantly enlarged foyer, café and front of house facilities;
• Replacing the seating in the main auditorium;
• Creating a new ‘black-box’ flexible performing space;
• Improving access throughout the building, including installing an elevator;
• Upgrading all technical equipment to industry standard; and
• Improving back-of-house amenities including the loading dock, storage, green room, dressing rooms and toilets.
Ms Allan said the existing centre was built in the early 1980s and comprises the 583-seat Eva Gasper Theatre and the Civic Hall, a flat floor community space with capacity for up to 400 people.
“However, after 26 years the centre is now limited in its capacity,” she said.
Ms Allan said the funding for the project would be provided to Warrnambool City Council through the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).
“The Brumby Government had allocated $30 million from the RIDF towards building arts and cultural facilities to support regional arts infrastructure,” Ms Allan said.
“RIDF has injected more than $500 million into 284 projects worth more than $1.35 billion in regional and rural Victoria.”