Coffs Harbour Entertainment Venue (CHEV) Scoping Study
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Consultation has concluded
Project update - September 2022
The Coffs Harbour Entertainment Venue (CHEV) Scoping Study aims to provide Council with development recommendations for an indoor entertainment venue that will deliver the best outcomes for the Coffs Harbour region.
In late 2021, Council adopted the CHEV Scoping Study – Functional Brief, which confirmed a 700 seat indoor venue with a minimum footprint of 2,500 square metres to allow for a flexible performance space which can accommodate a variety of performance configurations, accompanying support spaces and provide reasonable economic returns. The Functional Brief was then used to progress work on the Site Analysis.
The need for the CHEV project is well documented and has had significant and targeted community and stakeholder consultation over the last few years. Current cost estimates for a Coffs Harbour Entertainment Venue (CHEV) are:
Capital cost of $70m (based on 2019 figures), including parking but excluding escalation and contingency funds;
Operating cost, including depreciation, of $2.5m a year (based on 2022 figures).
In light of the recent capital projects deferrals, considered by Council at its meeting of 30 August 2022, there will not be funds available to progress the CHEV project in the next few years. Council at it's 26 September Meeting resolved to:
Note the Coffs Harbour Entertainment Venue Scoping Study – Site Analysis.
Note that given the focus on financial sustainability, the Coffs Harbour Entertainment Venue project will not be further advanced until Council’s Long Term Financial Plan (General Fund) is in surplus, currently anticipated in the 2027/28 year.
Defer the return of 2 Castle Street for sale pending an analysis of alternate options.
Background
Entertainment and performing arts spaces in the Coffs Harbour area have been considered by Council and the community over many years, with different proposals and plans for various types of venues in several locations.
We know that the community would like an additional indoor entertainment and performing arts venue. The City Centre Masterplan 2031 identifies the City Centre area for entertainment and performing arts infrastructure.
This matter was considered by Council at its Ordinary Meeting of 10 September 2020 where it adopted the Stage 2(a) Issues and Options Paper for Performing Arts Spaces (Indoor and Outdoor) Final Report and resolved to commence to Stage 2(b) Feasibility Study to determine the most suitable location, operational and financial model for an Indoor Performing Arts Centre within the City Centre.
Stage 2(b) has been titled Coffs Harbour Entertainment Venue (CHEV) Scoping Study to reflect the venue’s entertainment outcomes and the work required to scope the venue requirements.
Project update - September 2022
The Coffs Harbour Entertainment Venue (CHEV) Scoping Study aims to provide Council with development recommendations for an indoor entertainment venue that will deliver the best outcomes for the Coffs Harbour region.
In late 2021, Council adopted the CHEV Scoping Study – Functional Brief, which confirmed a 700 seat indoor venue with a minimum footprint of 2,500 square metres to allow for a flexible performance space which can accommodate a variety of performance configurations, accompanying support spaces and provide reasonable economic returns. The Functional Brief was then used to progress work on the Site Analysis.
The need for the CHEV project is well documented and has had significant and targeted community and stakeholder consultation over the last few years. Current cost estimates for a Coffs Harbour Entertainment Venue (CHEV) are:
Capital cost of $70m (based on 2019 figures), including parking but excluding escalation and contingency funds;
Operating cost, including depreciation, of $2.5m a year (based on 2022 figures).
In light of the recent capital projects deferrals, considered by Council at its meeting of 30 August 2022, there will not be funds available to progress the CHEV project in the next few years. Council at it's 26 September Meeting resolved to:
Note the Coffs Harbour Entertainment Venue Scoping Study – Site Analysis.
Note that given the focus on financial sustainability, the Coffs Harbour Entertainment Venue project will not be further advanced until Council’s Long Term Financial Plan (General Fund) is in surplus, currently anticipated in the 2027/28 year.
Defer the return of 2 Castle Street for sale pending an analysis of alternate options.
Background
Entertainment and performing arts spaces in the Coffs Harbour area have been considered by Council and the community over many years, with different proposals and plans for various types of venues in several locations.
We know that the community would like an additional indoor entertainment and performing arts venue. The City Centre Masterplan 2031 identifies the City Centre area for entertainment and performing arts infrastructure.
This matter was considered by Council at its Ordinary Meeting of 10 September 2020 where it adopted the Stage 2(a) Issues and Options Paper for Performing Arts Spaces (Indoor and Outdoor) Final Report and resolved to commence to Stage 2(b) Feasibility Study to determine the most suitable location, operational and financial model for an Indoor Performing Arts Centre within the City Centre.
Stage 2(b) has been titled Coffs Harbour Entertainment Venue (CHEV) Scoping Study to reflect the venue’s entertainment outcomes and the work required to scope the venue requirements.
On Wednesday 12 February, 2020 Council conducted two workshops to hear feedback from the community and stakeholders. Hawkridge Consultants delivered the workshops with Council staff present.
Drop-in information sessions with Hawkridge consultants and Council staff were held on Monday 10 Feb and Wednesday 12 Feb at Cavanbah Hall, Coffs Harbour.
Writing a submission is one way of sharing your views and opinions with Council. All submissions are considered and your submission will be included in a report to Council. Submissions close 28 February 2020.
In order for Council to consider electronic submissions each submission must:
a) contain legitimate contact details; b) be received by Council during the submission period; and c) be correctly or ‘properly’ made to include the proposal title and reasons for the submission.
Submissions which do not satisfy the above criteria may not be considered. Further details can be found in Council's Submission Policy.
Council is committed to openness and transparency in its decision making processes. The Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 requires Council to provide public access to information held unless there are overriding public interest considerations against disclosure. Any submissions received will be made publicly available unless the writer can demonstrate that the release of part or all of the information would not be in the public interest. However, Council would be obliged to release information as required by court order or other specific law.
Consultation has concluded
Share Performing Arts ( Indoor & Outdoor) Discussion Paper Submission - CLOSED on FacebookShare Performing Arts ( Indoor & Outdoor) Discussion Paper Submission - CLOSED on TwitterShare Performing Arts ( Indoor & Outdoor) Discussion Paper Submission - CLOSED on LinkedinEmail Performing Arts ( Indoor & Outdoor) Discussion Paper Submission - CLOSED link
2017 - Creative Coffs Cultural Strategic Plan adopted by Council
Coffs Harbour Entertainment Venue (CHEV) Scoping Study has finished this stage
This Plan directs work to undertake a needs and feasibility analysis for a future Performing Arts Space in Coffs Harbour.
2020 - Issues and Options Paper for Performing Arts Spaces (Indoor and Outdoor) adopted by Council
Coffs Harbour Entertainment Venue (CHEV) Scoping Study has finished this stage
This Paper confirmed a need and community support, for a 600-1000 seat entertainment venue located in the City Centre, and to begin a detailed scoping study.
Early 2021 - CHEV Scoping Study project team appointed
Coffs Harbour Entertainment Venue (CHEV) Scoping Study has finished this stage
A multi-disciplinary project team including Hawkridge Entertainment Services, Locale Consulting and architects Scott Carver have been engaged to assist Council with this project.
Mid 2021 - Functional Brief
Coffs Harbour Entertainment Venue (CHEV) Scoping Study has finished this stage
This stage will invite input from promoters, producers, hirers and theatre based groups into development of a Functional Brief. This will determine the venue's overall functions, size and seating arrangement.
23 September 2021 - Functional Brief adopted
Coffs Harbour Entertainment Venue (CHEV) Scoping Study has finished this stage
Council resolved to adopt the Functional Brief and note the Functional Brief Venue requirements inform the site analysis stage of the CHEV Scoping Study.
26 September 2022 - Site Analysis presented to Council
Coffs Harbour Entertainment Venue (CHEV) Scoping Study has finished this stage
Sites within the City Centre Masterplan 2031 Area will be assessed using the Functional Brief requirements and footprint. Sites will be tested on a range of criteria and venue industry benchmarks and the most suitable location to be presented to Council for endorsement.
Project put on hold
Coffs Harbour Entertainment Venue (CHEV) Scoping Study is currently at this stage
Further progress on an Entertainment Venue in Coffs Harbour City Centre has been put on hold until City of Coffs Harbour’s General Fund is in surplus, which is expected to be in the 2027-2028 financial year.
