THE Mitchell Conservatorium is in a race against time to find new premises to host a significant portion of its programs.
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The NSW Department of Communities and Justice has informed the managers of the conservatorium that they will need to vacate the Orchard Room to make way for an expansion of the Bathurst Courthouse footprint.
Mitchell Conservatorium executive director, Graham Sattler, said he was only informed of the plans last week and, while formal notice has yet to be received, once it comes they will have just three months to vacate the room.
While he completely understands and supports the needs of Bathurst Courthouse, the decision has put the conservatorium in a difficult position, especially so close to Christmas.
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"We absolutely understand that the court has increased need for space, but the short turnaround on this after many, many years [in this building], it is something that is very difficult for us to resolve," Mr Sattler said.
The Orchard Room fronts Russell Street and is the conservatorium's main performance space.
It is also used to host early childhood music programs, disability programs, and is used as a community rehearsal space.
"We are desperately searching for something to replace that space. We have a year's worth of programs planned for that space," Mr Sattler said.
"...We are spending every minute we have on finding options, because this isn't easy."
Given the plans that are already in place for the Orchard Room, Mr Sattler said a year would be a more realistic time frame to find an alternate space and relocate.
The conservatorium has very specific needs for a space to replace the Orchard Room, including a capability to house its grand piano and host an audience of 80.
"It needs to be in the centre of Bathurst, it needs to be as close as possible to this building, and it needs to be accessible for people of mixed abilities because we are very inclusive," Mr Sattler said.
While it's not an impossible task to find a new venue, he said it was "very challenging to see the way forward".
We absolutely understand that the court has increased need for space, but the short turnaround ... is something that is very difficult for us to resolve.
- Mitchell Conservatorium executive director Graham Sattler
Since consultation with the Department of Justice, the conservatorium has reached out to Bathurst Regional Council and member for Bathurst for Paul Toole, hoping their support may help them get more time to relocate.
Council discussed the situation briefly at Wednesday night's policy committee meeting, with councillor Graeme Hanger raising the issue.
General manager David Sherley confirmed that, while council has no authority over the building, it has written a number of letters to the relevant state government departments.
"I've sent a letter off to the Department of Justice asking them to reconsider, particularly more the timeline," he said, noting that there were fears that the conservatorium may have to vacate more of the building in future.
"We've also sent off letters asking for a review to occur to the local member, the Attorney-General and the Minister for Education."
Mr Sattler said he was very appreciative of the support that has been shown already.
"It's incredibly gratifying that we do have the support," he said.
"We met with Paul Toole very soon after the consultation and within just days he made time in his very busy schedule for us, so we are very grateful for his support and for the council's support."
The Mitchell Conservatorium has been based in its current location for 40 years.