Project Description
Gosford Regional Performing Arts Centre Business Plan
An exciting new Regional Performing Arts and Conference Centre developed for Gosford – a driver for art, tourism and business development
> THE CONTEXT
The recently-formed Central Coast Council is developing a new arts and entertainment facility on Gosford’s foreshore. The long-awaited Centre will be a cornerstone of the waterfront arts and cultural precinct and fulfil an important community need. Diligent strategic planning will support a flexible multi-use facility to meet the needs of the local community, and attract business and tourism to the region.
> THE BRIEF
Positive Solutions and Setting Line Theatre Consulting supported The Maytrix Group to complete a strategic review of earlier concepts for the proposed facility, including proposed programming options, venue configuration and seating capacity. In principle funding and a proposed site had been earmarked for the Centre – the key thrust of this project was to determine the best configuration, program mix and their financial implications.
> OUR APPROACH
The team’s analysis included an in-depth review of performing arts centres, function venues and other facilities in the Central Coast region. There was an extensive process of consultation with local and state government and potential hirers to determine optimal configuration to meet demand and provide strategic advantage alongside Council-owned venues. Subsequently, a concept brief was prepared to aid Council‘s decision making. This examined factors such as auditorium capacity, technical requirements to optimise programming of the auditorium and studio spaces, and catering infrastructure to maximise utilisation of the facility.
> THE RESULT
The concept brief and supporting layout options by Kerstin Thomson Architects informed development of an implementation plan to support Council, State and Federal investment for the facility. A two-auditorium venue was determined to be the most appropriate configuration, with facilities and capacity designed to complement existing facilities in the region.
