The proposed Mona Vale performance centre has been put on hold as it is deemed not financially viable.
Background of Performance Centre Project
The proposal for building a performance centre in Mona Vale was first introduced in April of 2017. It was the Northern Beaches Council which identified the need for a musical performance space in the area to support ensembles across Northern Beaches’ schools and the broader community. Moreso, It will also allow residents of Mona Vale to maintain an active interest in music and the performing arts.
Since its lodging, residents of Mona Vale have been conscientiously supporting the project. A number of consultation meetings were held within the community to further enhance the initial proposal.
The overall summary of the Mona Vale Performance Centre based on discussion amongst stakeholders involves:
- An auditorium that has 600 to 1,000 seating capacity
- An available stage size of 15 metres x 10 metres that is ideal for a concert orchestra
- Available studios or spaces for warm up and rehearsals
- Technical attributes of the stage and overall auditorium
- Potential retail spaces for commercial use
- An underground carpark
Mona Vale Public School offered a portion of its land, specifically at the corner of Bungan and Waratah Streets, as the location for the proposed performance centre.
Shelved Status
Despite receiving overwhelming public support and the council’s best effort in developing a business case and charitable trust to raise funds for the construction of the performance centre, the decision to shelve the project still prevailed.
The estimate cost of the proposed 1000-seat venue is at $ 32.9 million. At present, the council only has $ 2.5 million in funds coming from the Stronger Communities Fund.
With over $ 30 million worth remaining balance left, the council would then need to use the retail and operations income to enter into loan borrowings for a 20-year period. This also implies that the council would have to find funds yearly worth $ 1.02 million in order to run the venue over the course of 20 years.
Considering the huge expense, the council hoped that a charitable trust could help raise funds for the construction of the site. However, the council’s lawyers urged them not to proceed with the charitable trust as it would require the trust to operate the venue, making the council lose control of the centre’s overall management.
What’s Next?
A number of locals were disappointed with the decision of the councillors regarding the proposed Mona Vale Performance Centre.
One of the driving forces behind this project, Mona Vale Public School’s Principal Greg Jones, continues to express the importance of having a performance space in the area. He also mentioned that the entire community still remains to be supportive of this project despite its shelved status, and that they will all be open to look at any available options necessary for this project to proceed.
Mayor Michael Regan also shared his sentiments about the councillors’ decision, stating that a performance centre has always been included in the wishlist of the community.
Given the recommendations and final decision of the council, details of the proposed performance space in Mona Vale were sent to the State Government and the Department of Education. By doing so, this will allow them to discuss the project further and perhaps look into it on smaller scale perspective
