A DECADE-LONG savings plan has begun as Bathurst Regional Council looks to raise the capital to build a new community arts complex.
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The proposal, which is still in its formative stages, could see a total makeover of the Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre.
However, it might also take the form of a redevelopment of the former TAFE building site in William Street or a new development on a greenfield site.
Council has set aside $5 million in the draft 2016-17 budget to start saving for the initiative that could see Bathurst home to a new performing arts theatre and art gallery, all under one roof.
Mayor Gary Rush yesterday said the $5 million was one of the big ticket items in the draft management plan that is now on public exhibition.
He said the cash was “seed funding” to go into a reserve for what council describes as a “significant investment in the arts in the city”.
Cr Rush noted the form or function of the new development would be further articulated through council’s new cultural plan in coming months.
“The plan is currently in draft form after a round of consultation with community groups and will soon go to council for review and be placed on public exhibition for comment,” Cr Rush said.
“At this stage no site has been chosen and nothing designed. A centre like this would potentially incorporate a new theatre and new art gallery.
“The $5 million has been allocated as initial funding and money will be set aside in coming years to get to a figure that is reflective of construction costs of a significant cultural and community facility of this type.”
Cr Rush said council would scope out all options. “Whether that’s a greenfield site or working with a site we already have – such as BMEC – but the TAFE site could also be an option,” he said.
“What a great place that could be for the arts.
“However, the savings plan has a long way to go. It’s a decade-long process for a project that will significantly add to the cultural facilities of our ever-growing regional city.”
Cr Jess Jennings said yesterday a redevelopment of BMEC was his tip for the venture. He said the facility had a limited shelf life and was costing a fortune in ongoing repairs and maintenance.
While $5 million is going towards saving for the arts facility, the single biggest spend in council’s draft budget is the $15 million set aside for the second track, Velocity Park, at Mount Panorama.
“Council is continuing to invest in the city’s cultural facilities with more than $500,000 set aside for the development of a rail museum, which will have as its centrepiece the model layout of the Tarana to Bathurst railway line,” Cr Rush said.
“The Bathurst Library will also be upgraded with $450,000 to be invested in the internal fitout and refurbishment of this vital and well supported community service.”