AusLeisure

Following the recent completion of extensive exterior improvements, it has been announced that the Sunshine Coast’s premier performing arts and conference centre, The Events Centre at Caloundra, will undergo a further $6 million redevelopment.

With the Sunshine Coast Council having been successful in a $3 million grant application under the Building Better Regions Fund, a dollar-for-dollar funding partnership between the Council and the Federal Government, the venue will now get upgrades to air conditioning, functionality, presentation, and patron and disability access.

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement, stating “with council’s $3 million contribution, this $6 million The Events Centre redevelopment will include upgrades and enhancements to the existing building to ensure the venue continues to offer a premium level of service.

“It has certainly added to our celebrations today to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Naming of the Sunshine Coast.

“I thank the Federal Government for this commitment and commend the Federal Member for Fisher, Andrew Wallace, for his support of this important project for our community.

“The Events Centre is one of the Sunshine Coast’s largest venues and it welcomes national and international performing artists.

“The proposed redevelopment will enable The Events Centre to continue to attract top end entertainment and performances, whilst offering our residents access to an array of cultural opportunities and business events that are an incredibly important part of the economic and social fabric of our region.

“Our tourism offer on the Sunshine Coast must also continue to be diverse and attractive to a wide variety of interests.

“The opportunity to catch some top-class entertainment or attend a major business expo or conference is increasingly a part of what our visitors are looking to experience and this will be supported by the redevelopment of The Events Centre.

“In fact, the five national conferences held at The Events Centre last financial year injected almost $2 million to our regional economy.”

Events Centre Chairperson and Deputy Mayor Tim Dwyer said that over the past few years, the venue had been building on its reputation as the region’s premier performing arts venue and the number of top level touring artists choosing to perform there was on the increase.

Councillor Dwyer added “a premium showcase venue will attract new visitors to the region, visitors who would most likely extend their length of stay and generate a substantial economic boost.

“A redeveloped Events Centre will also enhance Caloundra’s cultural precinct, integrated as it is with the nearby Caloundra Art Gallery and Council library.

“This is an important element of the Caloundra CBD’s revitalisation and helps achieve the objectives that council set when it adopted the Caloundra Centre Master Plan in March this year.

“Importantly however, will be the benefits and opportunities that the redevelopment of The Events Centre will afford our residents right across the community.

“Our youth, our older residents and people with disabilities will all benefit from the improved facilities and the event product the venue will be able to offer.

“I expect our volunteer numbers will also grow, expanding on the 50 people who now generously give their time so readily to support the activities at The Events Centre.

“The community is also behind this redevelopment with $43,000 raised by local businesses and residents through community pledges.”

The Events Centre, Caloundra $6 million redevelopment project will include:

• Main entrance (Porte Cochere and covered link)
• Foyer refurbishment upgrade
• Box office, bar counters and function room upgrades
• Acoustic upgrades to theatre walls and ceiling 
• Dividing walls between main theatre and Glasshouse Room
• Beausang Room refurbishment
• Veranda café upgrade
• Main theatre and foyer heating ventilation and air conditioning
• Central and playhouse heating ventilation and air conditioning plant
• Playhouse reef plantation air handling units
• New people with disability (PWD) toilets
• PWD lift from carpark to foyer level

26th July 2017 - UPDATES COMPLETE AT SUNSHINE COAST PERFORMING ARTS VENUE

5th May 2017 - EXTERIOR MAKEOVER IN PLAY AT THE EVENTS CENTRE, CALOUNDRA

16th April 2017 - SUNSHINE COAST ARTS FESTIVAL SETS A BENCHMARK

21st March 2017 - AUSSIE WORLD’S THE SHED ENTERTAINMENT VENUE WELCOMES FIRST SELL OUT

10th August 2015 - LONG-TERM CAPITAL WORKS FUNDING APPROVED FOR THE EVENTS CENTRE CALOUNDRA

11th June 2014 - NEW FUND TO INCREASE TOURING CONCERTS IN QUEENSLAND

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