FAQ

All feedback will be considered and reviewed to help further inform and refine the development of the refurbishment.

Yes, we are wanting your feedback as part of the public exhibition of the detailed design.

Community feedback can be provided until close of business on Friday 29 November 2019.

In writing

You can make a submission in writing, and address it to:

Arts and Culture team, Sutherland Shire Council,
Locked Bag 17,
Sutherland NSW 1499

Visit Sutherland Entertainment Centre

Public exhibition will be on display during the two weeks of public exhibition, which aims to provide all stakeholders with an opportunity to view the design and provide feedback.

We also welcome questions and feedback at any stage of the project, and up-to-date project information will be provided on the project webpage.

Public exhibition of the detailed will be happening from 15 November to 29 November at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre, throughout opening business hours.

Address: 30 Eton Street, Sutherland NSW 2232.

The renovation will include:

• A 650 tiered seating with enhanced theatre experience.
• A new flexible teaching and rehearsal space.
• A larger and more attractive foyer with enhanced customer services and accessibility, including lift access and improved public toilets.
• A refreshed entry forecourt incorporating a flexible outdoor event space.
• Improved performer/hirer functionality in back-of-house, stage and wings.
• Improved accessability with the provision of three lifts, two for public use and one for back of house.
• New, energy efficient and sustainable heating, cooling and lighting systems.
• Upgrade to Peace Park, including revitalisation of the connection of Peace Park with Eton Street
• Repairs required to the current building including the roof.

We are working closely with current users groups and industry experts in the initial planning stages of the project to ensure we are creating a unique and vibrant cultural space that meets the needs of our local community.

Community engagement is a critical part of the Sutherland Entertainment Centre Renovation Project and we are committed to keeping you informed about the project’s progress. To find out more about the project or to speak to a member of the project team, you can:

Call: 9710 0333 during normal business hours

Email: ssc@ssc.nsw.gov.au

Contact your Ward Councillor

We have a family of fantastic theatre facilities across Sutherland Shire. Along with the Sutherland Entertainment Centre renovation, we are investing over $2.0 million to bring our historic 1920’s Sutherland Memorial School of Arts (the SOA) in East Parade back to its former glory. Closure of the SOA for works is planned from the end of 2019 to mid 2020. When closed, our performances will be at the Entertainment Centre (which will still be operating at this point) or Engadine Community Centre Theatre.

Yes - the project received the Silver Prize in the 2019 WAN (World Architecture News) Awards - Future Projects: Civic category.

The Sutherland Entertainment Centre, is 40 years old. The structure itself is very sound but the building needs some major repairs and upgrades to meet the current Building Code of Australia as well as meet the latest Australian Standards for access and mobility. We want the Sutherland Entertainment Centre to be visitor and performer friendly

No as each business should have its own supply. Power to the Sutherland Entertainment Centre will be disconnected during the renovation.

Council will oversee the entire project and has appointed a specialist project manager to manage the entire project from design to completion.

All contractors will be engaged via public expression of interest and tender processes in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), Local Government Regulations and Sutherland Shire Council Procurement Policy.

The design will be provided by an external architect and team of specialist consultants, while the renovation works will be carried out by an experienced contractor

Council has several other facilities that may be suitable as temporary options including the Engadine Community Centre Theatre and the Sutherland Memorial School of Arts. We are currently upgrading the School of Arts and will be ready as an alternate venue while the Sutherland Entertainment Centre is closed for renovation.

We aim to work with you to identify alternative venues able to temporarily meet your needs. We’d encourage you to contact us, if you haven’t yet heard from us.

Yes, the renovation is extensive and the safest and quickest way to complete it is by closing the Centre. Our planning requires the Sutherland Entertainment Centre to close between September 2020 and late 2022.

It is expected that the renovation will commence in approximately September 2020 and be ready for reopening in late 2022. As with all projects there may be things that are outside of our control that affect the finish date (for example the time needed for the planning approval or delays caused by bad weather).

Council has set aside $34.166 million to plan, design and refurbish the Sutherland Entertainment Centre which includes a refreshment to Peace Park.

The project is a considerable investment for the Community and Council has determined that the project will be funded by the following:

•  $6,551,864 Developer Contributions

• $16,351,513 available SUEZ VPA funds.

• $11,262,808 would be borrowed, to be repaid over a ten year period, at an amount of $1,322,367 per annum. Loan repayments are proposed to be serviced from the annual SUEZ contributions.

The project will improve the theatre space so that it can accommodate different types of theatrical performance including drama, song, music and dance and be used by a wide range of groups including schools. The improved facilities will enhance the experience of performers and audiences alike.

The project will include improvements to:

• upgrade of technical equipment
• theatre staging, sound and lighting
• performers and production crews functionality to the back-of-house facilities
• new theatre seating and sight lines to stage for audiences
• front-of-house services.

The Farmers Market will continue as normal throughout the construction works.

When the works start at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre, traffic, parking and pedestrian access around the area may be affected and we will minimise this, keeping safety as paramount. A pedestrian and traffic management plan will be communicated and in place to manage this.

Yes, we aim to continue our regular programs at either the Sutherland Memorial School of Arts or the Engadine Community Centre Theatre during the period the Sutherland Entertainment Centre is closed.