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Mona Vale Undergoes Several Major Upgrades and Developments In 2019

Mona Vale is getting some much-needed upgrades and developments for 2019 courtesy of the New South Wales government. In fact, work has started for some of these projects this March. Learn what these are in the rundown below.

Mona Vale Road

First on the list of development priorities is the $140-million Mona Vale Road upgrade which will become a four-lane thoroughfare. The roadwork will also include the construction of a concrete safety barrier between Manor Road and Daytime Street.

On the other hand, the roundabout at the Ponderosa Parade and Samuel Street intersection will also be replaced, while new traffic and pedestrian crossing lights will be installed. Bus stops at this intersection will be relocated at a new site further to the east.

Below is a video animation from the NSW Roads to give the public an idea of the Mona Vale Road improvements. The road work is expected to be completed in 2022, according to the Transport Roads & Maritime Services.

Mona Vale Hospital

About $60 million in government funds have been allocated towards the renovation of the Mona Vale Hospital on Coronation Street. Once completed, the new site will have a Support Services building with a helipad and a Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Unit for 10 patients.

Additionally, the government has given $10 million more to the hospital improvements to benefit the hospital’s palliative care and geriatric units. The money will also be used to acquire a new ambulance facility for its Urgent Care Centre.

“This additional investment will ensure the design and fit out of the new inpatient unit will be of the highest standard and comfort,” MP for Pittwater Rob Stokes said in a statement.

“The NSW Government is committed to Mona Vale Hospital continuing to provide vital health services for local patients into the future – in close cooperation with the major Northern Beaches Hospital.”

*Photo Credit:* *Mona Vale Hospital/Facebook*

Mona Vale SLSC

Mona Vale Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) will get a new $6.7 million two-storey building upgrade, with $3.9 million coming from the NSW Government. The improvements will provide a gym, commercial cafes and restaurants, a club canteen, function rooms, members lounge, and public bathrooms.

Approval of the construction was given in February and it is expected to be completed by winter of 2020. About 1300 members, including nippers (children), regularly use the club and its facilities on Surfview Road.

The upgrade will provide for the demands of the club members for the next decade. The Mona Vale SLC is one of the biggest SLSC in the Northern Beaches.

Mona Vale Public School

Fifteen new air-conditioned classrooms will bring comfort to students of the Mona Vale Public School, thanks to $2.5 million funding from the Northern Beaches Council. This will replace the demountable classrooms currently in use. Also included in this development project is a new performance centre for various school activities for its theater and music classes or clubs.

“The school upgrade and new multi-purpose performance centre will have enormous benefits for our community,” Mr Stokes said.

Photo Credit: Mona Vale Chamber of Commerce/Facebook

Mona Vale Performance Centre Project Postponed

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.

Theater Seat — *Photo credit: CCO Public Domain/ HolgersFotografie/ Pixabay*

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