The hunt for the best location for a performing arts centre in Gosford continues. “Gosford Council is actively looking for the best location possible in Gosford’s city centre for a regional performing arts centre to make sure the full potential of this vital community facility can be realised,”
Gosford Council’s chief executive officer, Mr Paul Anderson said. “For example, a potential site may include the corner of Mann St, Georgiana Tce and Baker St in Gosford’s city centre, possibly as part of the recently approved development for this site. “I can confirm that Council has allocated $10 million towards a regional performing arts centre in Gosford. “In March 2015, the NSW Government also committed to provide $10 million for the construction of a performing arts centre together with $2 million for the construction of a conservatorium.
“In December 2015, the Australian Government also confirmed that Council’s application for $10 million in funding under the National Stronger Regions Fund for a regional performing arts and conference centre had been successful. “At this time, the federal member for Robertson confirmed that council is the responsible authority for determining the location of a performing arts centre. “The remainder of the old Gosford Public School site is owned by the NSW Government and any questions about that site need to be directed to it.
“We are continuing to liaise closely with a number of community and other groups about a regional performing arts centre, including those who are opposed to developing a performing arts centre in Gosford’s Memorial and Rotary Parks,” Mr Anderson said. In terms of the preference to use the site of the former Gosford Public School as a performing arts centre, member of Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks has confirmed that it was never planned to be a performing arts precinct.
“The land was not slated for a recreational and cultural zone,” Ms Wicks said. “Labor knows this because Senator Deborah O’Neill stood on another site twice to propose funding for a Performing Arts Centre elsewhere,” she said. “The Turnbull Government is also investing $10 million in the Performing Arts Centre and it is up to Gosford Council to settle on the location,” she said. “This is the fi rst time the city has had the money to build this vital piece of community infrastructure,” Ms Wicks said. “Council is responsible for building the performing arts centre, including deciding on its location. “The $10 million from the Turnbull Government ensures the council now has the funding required.”
Media statement, Feb 24, 2016 Paul Anderson, Gosford Council Email, Mar 7, 2016 Tim Sowden, office of Lucy Wicks Jackie Pearson, journalist