MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire councillors have approved the commencement of a preliminary concept design for a performing arts centre and precinct in Hastings. The motion was approved at the August 20 council meeting and would involve furthering the business case and concept development already completed and presented to the councillors at the meeting.
The “Mornington Peninsula Performing Arts Centre” (PAC) would transform the five acre block of land bounded by High Street, Marine Parade, Herring Street and Salmon Street in to a multi-use performance and entertainment precinct. The feasibility report presented to councillors stated the cost of the development would be in the vicinity of $92 million. It recommended the development of a 650-seat theatre with a capacity of up to 900 patrons in gig mode, and a smaller second venue with a capacity of up to 150 patrons with flexible use.
The report stated that during the construction phase, the project will generate 122 cumulative direct local jobs, 218 indirect jobs and support $56.3 million in additional spending in the community. By year five of operation, the PAC is forecast to attract 76,300 visitors per year, including 11,500 visitors to the shire. The direct spending associated with these visitors is approximately $1.8 million per year.
“Hastings, over many decades, has had proposals to lift its economic status,” said Cr Lisa Dixon. “To look at a potential build of a performing arts centre on a shire-owned five acres of land makes sense. “This project ticks all the boxes for economic uplift, intergenerational inclusion, and arts and culture for our youth who presently have nothing to do.” “The initial study completed by consultants and the community investment into this project so far has been amazing. “This so complements the recently completed Hastings foreshore masterplan, which our community is so proud of, and complements a performing arts and cultural precinct.”
Cr Susan Bissinger asked the shire’s director –community strengthening Tanya Scicluna “How much money has been spent on this project to date?” “As is reflected in the report this evening, there was a figure of $492,000 that was spent in the 2022/23 financial year and that was to complete the site study needs analysis and feasibility report,” said Scicluna.
“Further to that, $310,000 was allocated through the budget and spent, which was to engage a performing arts project coordinator who would then, and has, worked with our expert consultants to complete the detailed business case and concept development. “And should this next step, and officer recommendation, proceed there is an allocation of $660,000 in the current budget.” Bissinger said “So about a million–and–a–half dollars.”
Later in the meeting Bissinger said “The fact of the matter is there is a reality to consider here. There has already been, or already will be, $1.5 million spent just thinking about this project.” “What about the seniors citizens hall that’s falling apart? What about your community buildings that are dilapidated? What about all in Hastings that you need to do? And yet, to channel money directly to one project, and to leave the rest to fall apart, to me, just doesn’t seem right.” “There’s no money anywhere from federal government, in the foreseeable future. There is no money from the state government in the foreseeable future. “It could be decades before there is even a glimmer of hope for any funding.”
Cr Marsh countered “I think this is one of those projects that is visionary. Western Port, Hastings, is a major activity centre that has very little love from council.” “There is some risk, yes, but that’s our job as strategic decision makers; here to inject benefit into the community, and Hastings would benefit in so many different ways. “This is something we should be getting behind”. “We just have to commit to the project. And if there’s no funding, then it just won’t happen, but we must try.”
Dixon addressed Bissinger’s concerns, saying “[Conducting] feasibility studies, business cases, are essential to attracting philanthropic contribution, and I look forward to us having fundraisers in the community, getting involved in that, being a part of that, and selling the story.” The motion also called for community consultation and stakeholder engagement, and to continue to undertake advocacy for the project at all levels of government. Councillors voted to adopt the motion with only Bissinger voting against it.
First published in the Western Port News – 28 August 2024
