Bathurst TAFE building proposal: performing arts group working on a business plan

The Bathurst Centre For Performing Excellence Group wrote to council late last year to outline its vision for the William Street landmark.

Members of the group addressed council recently to explain how their idea to make the former TAFE building a home for regional arts - as a place of education as well as special events - would be of benefit to the CBD.

The NSW Government formally handed the former TAFE building over to council in 2016.

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"We believe council must take the financial initiative to make fit and proper use of this gift before other funding can be reasonably sought from other government agencies," group member and well-known local architect Henry Bialowas said in the presentation to council.

"Of the various possible uses for these buildings, our proposal requires the least financial input in the way of restoration and adaption while actually preserving the building as close to its original state and intended function as is possible."

The group's proposal would be of benefit to a "flagging" Bathurst CBD by making the town centre more lively, he said.

He said successful cities draw people into their CBDs by offering more than just business.

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Group member Judith Black told council that the advantage of the former TAFE building is that it can "grow and develop according to demand".

"It therefore allows for a carefully staged and well-considered course of development," she said. "The costs and risks can be spread over several years."

Group member David Black said schools in the region, TAFE, Charles Sturt University, the various schools of music, theatrical societies, dance schools and Shakespearean players could all be involved with the proposed Centre for Performing Excellence.

"There is no reason why we cannot partner with, or affiliate ourselves with, other institutions like NIDA [National Institute of Dramatic Art] to raise the quality and standards in this regional area for the benefit of all," he said.

Mr Bialowas said the proposed centre could incorporate music, from instrument lessons to vocal lessons to housing orchestras, and a school of drama, including stage, television and film acting.

"Such activities require associated skills in set design, lighting, stagecraft, sound recording, radio and television engineering," he said.

"So we need to train people who could then, for example, successfully operate a local commercial and digital recording studio.

"We understand there is a current need for such a studio for commercial use in film-making, voiceovers for ads, etc."

Members of the group are now working on a business plan for their proposal and have asked for - and been given - help from council staff in doing so.

Mr Bialowas has also asked that council let Allen, Jack and Cottier - the architect firm preparing a Bathurst Town Centre Master Plan - know about the Centre for Performing Excellence proposal.

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