150911-Cultural Needs Analysis and Outline Brief rev 3 · 2016-06-20 · services to martial arts groups and others. As the existing facilities are so heavily utilised, access by

GORDON CULTURAL AND CIVIC HUB | Cultural Needs Analysis

2015 October

Contents


Declaration and Terms

Limitations Statement

In preparing this document, Root Projects Australia has relied upon and presumed accurate certain information (or the absence thereof) provided by government officials and authorities, Ku-ring-gai Council, and others identified herein. Except as otherwise stated in this document, Root Projects Australia has used its best endeavours to verify the accuracy or completeness of any such information. To the extent that such information has proved inconsistent with Ku-ring-gai Council previously stated position, Ku-ring-gai Council has been advised. No warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied, is made with respect to the data reported or to the findings, observations and conclusions expressed in this document.

This document has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of Ku-ring-gai Council and is subject to and issued in connection with the provisions of the contract between Root Projects Australia and Ku-ring-gai Council. Root Projects Australia accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any third party.

Copyright, Confidentiality and Circulation

This document is the copyright of Ku-ring-gai Council; It is not to be copied in any form without the written permission of Ku-ring-gai Council.

This document is confidential. It is not to be used for any purpose other than that intended by the issuing party. The contents of this document are not to be conveyed to any person or organisation other than the person to whom it has been issued.

This document is subject to controlled circulation. It is not to be circulated to any person or organisation other than the person it has been issued to without the written permission of Ku-ring-gai Council.

Document Control Revision Date Purpose Prepared Reviewed

Rev 0 09/9/2015 Draft for KRG review

ST and CC CC

Rev 1 10/9/2015 Draft for KRG review

ST and CC CC

Rev 2 11/09/2015 Review ST CC Rev 3 12/10/2015 Final CC/ST CC Rev 4 21/10/2015 Final Update ST CC

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Index

1. Executive Summary ......................................................................................................................................................... 1

2. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................................... 6

3. Strategic Context ............................................................................................................................................................ 9

4. Benchmarks ................................................................................................................................................................... 16

5. Cultural Hub Objectives .............................................................................................................................................. 24

6. Stakeholder Consultation ........................................................................................................................................... 25

7. Community Needs ....................................................................................................................................................... 28

8. Facility Requirements ................................................................................................................................................... 39

9. Next Steps ....................................................................................................................................................................... 49

Appendix 1 – Existing Facility Utilisation........................................................................................................................... 50

Appendix 2 – Stakeholder Consultation Plan .................................................................................................................. 51

Appendix 3 – Community Survey Report ........................................................................................................................ 52

Appendix 4 – Focus Group Survey Form ........................................................................................................................ 53

Appendix 5 – Focus Group attendance ........................................................................................................................... 54

Appendix 6 – Performance Venue Auditorium Metrics Benchmarks ....................................................................... 55

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1. Executive Summary

This report summarises the findings of the Gordon Cultural and Civic Hub cultural needs analysis. . This analysis provides the context for a case for Ku-ring-gai to further develop cultural infrastructure for the community by identifying the current utilisation of its existing community facilities, understanding the community in terms of their habits and levels of involvement in cultural activity and the needs of major arts and cultural groups within the Ku-ring-gai Local Government Area (LGA), and in the context of other similar facilities being proposed in the region.

Ku-ring-gai Council recognises the dis-jointed approach to cultural opportunities and facilities within its LGA and has worked with its community and business partners to develop a Community Strategic Plan to 2030 which proposed the concept of the development of a co-ordinated and community focused Cultural and Civic Hub, on the site of the existing Council Chambers at 818 Pacific Highway, Gordon. Root Projects Australia was engaged by Ku-ring-gai Council to undertake a Needs Analysis of the community in relation to this proposal and to define the spatial requirements to deliver the agreed community needs.

Ku-ring-gai has a long history of arts and cultural influences in the region and Council is interested in the potential to bring these different groups together and provide a place for collaboration and community activation within central Gordon.

The endorsed Community Strategic Plan 2030 has the aim of KuKuKuKu----ringringringring----gai to Global: Sustainability for a gai to Global: Sustainability for a gai to Global: Sustainability for a gai to Global: Sustainability for a better tomorrow better tomorrow better tomorrow better tomorrow and the Civic and Cultural Hub is intended to support this Plan which identifies a number of key themes to direct future development and interaction with the community.

The development of a Civic and Cultural Hub will directly impact and support the following themes from the Strategic Plan 2030:

Theme 1 – Community, People and Culture

C1 Community wellbeing C2 Cultural diversity and creativity C3 Community participation C4 Healthy lifestyles C5 Community health and safety

Theme 3 – Places, Spaces and Infrastructure

P2 Managing urban change P3 Quality urban design and development P4 Revitalisation of our centres P5 Heritage that is protected and responsibly managed P6 Enhancing recreation, sporting and leisure facilities P7 Enhancing community buildings and facilities P8 Improving the standard of our infrastructure

Theme 5 – Local Economy and Employment

E1 Promoting Ku-ring-gai’s business and employment opportunities E2 Partnering for business and employment growth E3 Visitation opportunities

This overarching policy provides Ku-ring-gai Council with the framework and direction to pursue such initiatives as the Gordon Civic and Cultural Hub.

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In order to define and test core vision and objectives for the proposal Gordon Cultural and Civic Hub, stakeholder consultation was undertaken with key Council representatives and Councillors, as well as with the major active arts and cultural groups currently practising within the Ku-ring-gai LGA.

Council’s vision, supported by its Community Strategic Plan, is to create a Civic and Cultural Hub in Gordon that will:

• Positively engage with the community and their culture

• Provide places, spaces and infrastructure for arts activities and civic functions

• Create opportunities for local employment to support the local economy

The Civic and Cultural Hub will place Ku-ring-gai as a leader in the arts and cultural sector in its region, particularly if its proposed facilities do not compete with but rather support other similar aspirations such as the Glen St Cultural Hub and the Concourse, Chatswood. The long term potential for economic contributions to the community and region can be significant with Infrastructure NSW 2014 State Infrastructure Strategy Update stating that $8.3 billion was spent in 2013 by cultural and heritage visitors to NSW. Whilst, the Civic and Cultural Hub will be focused on engaging with its community and region, there is also potential to attract wider engagement in the activities proposed for the Hub, bringing benefit to the local residents and businesses.

Civic and Cultural Hub Objectives

In achieving this vision, Council has set the following draft objectives that they are seeking to achieve with the creation of the Gordon Cultural and Civic Hub. In defining these objectives, Council acknowledges that they are aspirational and as such it recognises they will require a long term strategy across a range of separate Council initiatives, programs and activities. These objectives are to:

• promote cross-generational cultural activity

• provide opportunities to engage with youth in the creative exploration of the arts and potential to outreach to local schools

• cater for multicultural creative art forms that can provide a platform for enhanced social cohesion and cultural expression

• develop creative industries and provide support for local creative arts organisations and individual local talent

• provide multipurpose functional spaces that are accessible to the whole community

• provide business support to encourage emerging artists

• provide financially sustainable facilities that cater for amateur through to semi-professional artists across all art platforms

• encourage cross-integration between art forms and sharing of cultural skills

• develop a creative connection between the public, the arts and civic ceremony

• provide places to create, rehearse, perform, display and exhibit

• develop opportunities for artists-in-residence programs

Defining the Need

The consultation undertaken to assess and refine the community needs included one-on-one meetings, a community survey, focus group workshops and a questionnaire. This consultation considered a

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broad range of users and residents, which has assisted in defining the needs and building support for the proposed Gordon Civic and Cultural Hub.

From the survey of 500 people undertaken within the Ku-ring-gai LGA, there appears to be a strong demand for a range of cultural activities in the Ku-ring-gai community, with over three quarters of the people surveyed having support for the idea of a centralised facility at Gordon, which will complement some of the existing aged community infrastructure. Based on an analysis of the survey results, there is a high probability that a substantial proportion of the population would patronise amateur to semi-professional events / performances held at a new Civic and Cultural Hub in Gordon.

The consultation with the major practising arts groups within the Ku-ring-gai area revealed that there is a lack of regularly bookable and accessible quality space for rehearsal and performance activities or spaces where people create or exhibit visual art.

In reviewing the existing Council operated community facilities, it was found that they these facilities are heavily used, generally 7 days per week, with the greatest utilisation for facilities being after school and work during the afternoons and evenings Monday to Friday. A large portion of the usage is by specialist interest groups (over 200 hours / week), which include a range of activities; from various types of clubs to language classes, help services to martial arts groups and others. As the existing facilities are so heavily utilised, access by cultural and arts groups is limited, which therefore impacts these groups’ ability to expand or maintain relevance to their users and members. Furthermore, the types of spaces available for arts groups have restricted functionality specific to their needs and are not suitable or large enough to use as a performance venue or exhibition space. It was recognised that there are several private school facilities within the Ku-ring-gai LGA that have high quality spaces for theatrical and musical performances with larger capacity, however these venues are not available for regular hires by external parties and have local operational constraints due to their proximity to residential zones, access to public transport and the reality that school activities take precedence over community groups.

From the focus groups consultation there has been a request for a large performance space of approximately 500 seats for music recital performances 6 to 8 times per year, however based on the level of demand, the provision of such a facility is difficult to justify, especially given the proximity of the Chatswood Concourse Concert Hall or other existing Sydney recital halls such as Angel Place, Opera House, or Sydney Town Hall. Some assistance and support from Council could be provided in relation to securing and guaranteeing reservations at these facilities for local groups.

From the analysis undertaken the following Community Needs have been identified for a cultural and civic uses that could be located within the one centralised facility within the Gordon central business district.

The Hub would include spaces that cater for range of single artists or larger amateur to semi-professionals groups to:

• create and rehearse in

• perform and display in

• work collaboratively across a range of art forms

• be able to be utilised for civic ceremonies and for the staging of annual cultural events

In addressing Theme 5 Community Strategic Plan 2030, it has also been identified by Council that the proposed Gordon Cultural and Civic Hub could also include space for business and arts incubators that

Weekly venue hire

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aim to assist arts groups and smaller businesses in establishing and managing their own business with information and advice on business management, marketing, information technology and other business administration.

In order to maximise the utilisation of the Hub, stakeholders have identified that the spaces within should be as multi-purpose as possible but have the necessary technical / functional infrastructure to support the major art forms and civic events. It was considered that a large flexible flat floor space would be the most appropriate to meet this need, to accommodate approximately 200 – 300 people, coupled with a range of ancillary spaces, rehearsal spaces, studio workshop spaces, meeting rooms and associated back of house facilities. Also it was deemed important that the Hub should have a foyer space connected to retail and commercial uses.

Benchmarks

In considering the proposed Gordon Cultural and Civic Hub, a number of benchmarks facilities have been reviewed within and outside the Sydney area, both in terms of the program of activities and the typology of the spaces relevant to fulfilling the need from their communities. Relevant examples for community facilities that are targeted for arts and cultural uses include:

City of Sydney Creative Hub which will provide inner city spaces dedicated to creative practice by professional or semi-professional artists and creative teams. It will be located within a new mixed use development complex in Bathurst Street in the Sydney CBD. Currently under design, the Hub will deliver affordable space for artists and creative teams to develop their work and encourages upward and downward mentoring. The facilities will include: office/meeting spaces and spaces for sector peak bodies and organisations; rehearsal spaces for theatre, dance, music; workshop and studio spaces for visual arts; edit suites and green screen spaces for digital media; and one artists residency, who will have some responsibility to the creative output of the Hub. This project is currently being delivered under a Voluntary Planning Agreement between the Developer and the City of Sydney.

Campbelltown Arts Centre aims to engage, inspire and respond to the issues of the region's communities through the production of contemporary cultural programs. The core focus of Campbelltown Arts Centre is to develop and deliver innovative high quality contemporary arts programs that maximise opportunities and avenues for communities to engage with contemporary, multi-arts practice. The Centre’s program encompasses all forms of the visual, performing, literary and new media arts.

Pine Street Creative Arts Centre is a dedicated, community focused arts facility and gallery, and has been in operation in its current form for approximately 15 years. The Centre aims to encourage participation in lifelong learning within a cultural and creative framework. Artistic development is encouraged through all the Centre’s activities, including a diverse and dynamic range of arts workshops, exhibitions, community projects and events. These are designed to promote local arts and cultural activities, provide positive social outcomes and encourage local creative economies. (reference: City of Sydney)

Darebin Enterprise Centre - Creative and Digital Arts Incubator functions as a business incubator for small businesses, indigenous Australian businesses and creative and digital arts-based businesses DECL’s objectives are to assist small business development through small business incubation; to provide services and mentoring support to small business owners and managers; to create local employment opportunities through the development and growth of small business enterprises; to improve the long term viability of small business enterprises; to support Indigenous entrepreneurs, contractors and corporations to build independent and viable business capacity; and to provide arts-based businesses with services and mentoring.

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Next Steps

In Council pursuing the Gordon Cultural and Civic Hub initiative, it has recognised the need to develop a Master plan for the existing Council Chambers site at 818 Pacific Highway, coupled with the preparation of a detailed Business Case in order to test the capacity and the long term sustainability of community facilities on the site; identify possible funding opportunities and delivery models; determine the tangible benefits for the community and to model a governance structure that will ensure that such a facility is fully inclusive and open to all interested community groups.

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2. Introduction

2.1 Purpose of this Report

This report has been prepared for Ku-ring-gai Council to outline the needs of the community with respect to future cultural activities within this Local Government Area (LGA) and the spatial requirements to deliver the identified needs.

Ku-ring-gai Council recognises the dis-jointed approach to cultural opportunities and facilities within its LGA and has worked with its community and business partners to develop a Community Strategic Plan to 2030 which proposed the concept of the development of a co-ordinated and community focused cultural and civic hub, on the site of the existing Council Chambers at 818 Pacific Highway, Gordon.

As a result, Ku-Ring-Gai Council is aiming to explore all financially sustainable options for the future development of a Cultural and Civic Hub, as an integral part of a large redevelopment of the Council Chambers site in the Gordon central business district. This Hub must complement existing cultural infrastructure and provide improved cultural services and facilities to the community. The redevelopment of the Council Chambers site may result in a mixed-use development, including new Council offices, retail, commercial and/or residential. Through this development process it is important to maximise opportunities to deliver infrastructure for both Council and the community, however the priority for Council will be to accommodate the cultural and artistic needs of the community.

The outcome of this report is the identification of community needs and an outline brief for the spatial and technical requirements of a Civic and Cultural Hub.

2.2 Development of the Community Needs and Outline Brief

Ku-ring-gai Council has commenced the process to investigate the potential to deliver a capital project, as represented in the flowchart below.

Figure 1 – Lifecycle of a Capital Asset: Community Needs and Outline Brief is Stage 1 of Project

Definition Phase

Council has agreed to investigate the need for a Cultural and Civic Hub within the Ku-ring-gai LGA and this report forms the first stage of the Project Definition Phase of a capital project initiative – the identification of the community’s cultural needs and subsequent to Council endorsement, the preparation of a Business Case to secure funding for the capital project. This is a critical stage in the overall lifecycle of a capital asset to fully articulate the need and strategy for implementation prior to any design work being undertaken and the project becoming a reality through tender, construction and handover. The definition of the need, use and operation of a building is imperative in designing and delivering a community asset that will provide value for money to Council and create a well-visited and flexible community hub.

IDEAPROJECT

DEFINITION (BUSINESS CASE)

CONCEPT DESIGN TENDER CONSTRUCTION HANDOVER & DLP

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2.3 Ku-ring-Gai Council

The Ku-ring-gai Council is a Local Government Council responsible for an area approximately 16 kilometres north of Sydney, approximately 84 square kilometres, bounded by the Warringah Council area in the east, Willoughby City and the City of Ryde in the south, and Hornsby Shire in the west, particularly from Roseville cinemas in the south to Wahroonga Park in the north, and from St Ives Showground in the east to Lane Cove National Park in the west.

The area is divided into five wards, each represented by two Councilors, and governed by Mayor Cheryl Szatow JP and Deputy Mayor David Ossip.

Figure 2 – Ku-ring-gai Local Government Area

Ku-ring-Gai has approximately 109, 297 residents1 in the 2011 census, generally aged 40 years or over and 46 % are parents with children.2 Approximately 40% of residents were born overseas, mainly in the UK, South Africa, Hong Kong, New Zealand, China or South Korea. Aside from English, the most commonly spoken languages at home are Cantonese, Mandarin and Korean3.

Ku-ring-gai is a unique and attractive Local Government Area (LGA) as it is bounded by three national parks - Garigal National Park, Lane Cove National Park and Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Ku-ring-gai Council is responsible for:

• Collecting waste and recycling

• Repairing roads, drains and gutters

• maintaining parks and sports grounds and building new ones

• assessing development applications

• town planning and urban design

• children’s, youth and seniors’ services

• transport planning

• managing natural areas

• volunteers’ services including Meals on Wheels and Bushcare

1 http://profile.id.com.au/ku-ring-gai/population 2 http://www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/About_Ku-ring-gai/People/Demographics_statistics 3 http://www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/About_Ku-ring-gai/People/Demographics_statistics

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• community events such as Australia Day and Festival on the Green

• various Community Halls

• Ku-ring-gai Library

• Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden

• Ku-ring-gai Art Centre

• St Ives Showground

• Ku-ring-gai Fitness and Aquatic Centre

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3. Strategic Context

3.1 Community Strategic Plan 2030

Ku-ring-gai Council is committed to its community and has an endorsed Community Strategic Plan 2030 with the aim of KuKuKuKu----ringringringring----gai to Global: Sustainability for a better tomorrow. gai to Global: Sustainability for a better tomorrow. gai to Global: Sustainability for a better tomorrow. gai to Global: Sustainability for a better tomorrow.

Figure 3 - Community Strategic Plan 2030 structure

The Community Strategic Plan 2030 seeks to capture many views of those living and working within Ku-

ring-gai and align them with Council’

s Management Plan and other planning frameworks

The Plan delivers an approach to consultation and communication with its residents and a cohesive management framework to deliver upon its commitments.

This Strategic Plan defines a number of guiding principle activity areas that align with Council Management Plan which relates to:

• Community development

• Urban environment

• Natural environment

• Planning and development

• Civic leadership and corporate services

• Financial sustainability

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3.2 Council’s Vision

3.3 Alignment of Civic and Cultural Hub to Council’s Strategic Themes

The Gordon Cultural and Civic Hub is intended to support the Council’s Vision and Community Strategic Plan 2030 which identifies a number of key themes to direct future development and interaction with the community. The development of a Civic and Cultural Hub will directly impact and support the following themes from the Strategic Plan 2030:

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C1 Community wellbeing C2 Cultural diversity and creativity C3 Community participation C4 Healthy lifestyles


P2 Managing urban change P3 Quality urban design and development P4 Revitalisation of our centres P5 Heritage that is protected and responsibly managed P6 Enhancing recreation, sporting and leisure facilities P7 Enhancing community buildings and facilities P8 Improving the standard of our infrastructure


E1 Promoting Ku-ring-gai’s business and employment opportunities E2 Partnering for business and employment growth E3 Visitation opportunities

The following themes from the Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2030 will be achieved by the creation of a new Civic & Cultural Hub as represented below:

The Community, People and Culture will inform the needs of the Places, Spaces and Infrastructure which will positively impact on the Local Economy and Employment.

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3.4 Existing Cultural Facilities

Ku-ring-gai operates and manages a number of community facilities with a wide range of services and opportunities for engagement and activity. These facilities are owned and operated by Council through their own departments.

3.4.1 YOUTH Council has a strong youth program and a long standing commitment to engagement with youth. The main facilities for youth activity include:

A.W.O.L Youth Centre

The A.W.O.L Youth Centre in the Old School Building, Gordon provides a relaxed environment for youth including access to the following facilities/services; Fusball, ping pong, PS3 players, computers, DVDs, music, iPod cables for stereo and TV. This is generally used as a break out space for students that are studying at the library so it intentionally provides a low-key atmosphere to help students take time out from study. The demographic that uses this facility is distinctly different from other youth facilities which are more focused on classes, interactive activities or performance/music type events.

The Dungeon at Turramurra Library

The Dungeon at Turramurra Library provides information on drugs and alcohol, sexual health, legal aid, employment, careers and more and was recently refurbished to focus more on programs and activities such as art classes and DJ classes, but can only accommodate maximum 10 youths per class so is restricted in attracting more users through its size and storage capacity.

The Fitz Youth Centre, St Ives

The Fitz Youth Centre is a heavily used space that provides a music recording and production studio, PA system, Playstation, pool table, table tennis and access to skate park. The current youth facilities in St Ives are sufficient for purposes of the audience and activities currently planned, but cannot easily accommodate specific programs or new programs due to lack of facilities, space or resources within the facilities.

The facilities at St Ives, Turramurra and the Gordon Library are well used by the community and if possible should be maintained even in the event of a new Gordon Cultural & Civic Hub.

3.4.2 VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS/FUNCTIONS

Ku-ring-gai Art Centre

Ku-ring-gai Art Centre in Roseville offers visual art, creative writing and guitar classes for all levels of experience, from timid beginners to advanced students. It is understood the Centre is undergoing its own internal review which is not considered within this Needs Analysis.

The Art Centre runs a program of activities and classes with an audience generally of self-funded retirees as the majority of courses charge a fee to cover the costs of the materials and teachers. Generally the studios are fully occupied so there is limited opportunity to vary the program or attract wider audience including the target audiences of youth and residents between 30-40, which would influence the programming and types of events to be held at the Art Centre. A pottery room and kiln is located within the Art Centre which is well utilised and would be relatively expensive/difficult to relocate/replicate elsewhere.

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St Ives Community Hall

Situated in the hub of St Ives, this large hall can accommodate up to 300 people and comes equipped with a stage, full kitchen and disabled access. The facility can be booked every day from7am - 1am.

The St Ives Community Hall is well used for live performance, with a canteen, green room, basic sound recording, and separate annex which is the Youth Centre, with skate park adjacent. Generally the live performances are modestly charged at a rate of between $10 – $25. Other activities carried out include the annual Ku-ring-gai’s Got Talent competition which the community is able to enter with 3 heats and a final. The heats generally receive an audience of up to 100 people and the final may have up to 150 people, however this is restricted by the size of the hall.

Roseville Chase Memorial Community Centre Hall

This hall is used primarily for family functions, meetings, indoor sports activities. The hall can accommodate 120 people standing or 80 seated. It is fully equipped with kitchen, toilets with disabled access, air conditioning, 100 chairs, six tables, whiteboard and outdoor playground. Available for bookings daily, 7am - midnight. It is used around extensively during the day as a Children Care Centre, and 3 to 4 hours per week for music rehearsals.

Ku-ring-gai Town Hall

Ku-ring-gai Town Hall is one of Council’s largest venues, with a capacity of up to 300 people and is highly popular due to its size. It currently caters for everything from wedding receptions, exhibitions or indoor sports activities and as music rehearsal space. It is available for bookings every day between 7am - 1am. This facility does have some limitations however, especially in terms of its acoustic properties and access configuration. The space is highly reverberant which makes it unsuitable for music concerts and lacks appropriate acoustic isolation to truck/car breaking noises on highway. Furthermore, the space cannot be easily sub-divided to facilitate concurrent multiple uses. In term of access, the facilities are only accessible from one direction off the Pacific Highway and has limited on site car parking. We understand that this facility is relatively expensive to maintain and as such may need to be reviewed in terms of its long term sustainability as a community facility. This Hall is regularly used by the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic and Youth Orchestra for regular rehearsals.

Ku-ring-gai Library

The Ku-ring-gai Library is located in Gordon, Lindfield, St Ives and Turramurra. The Gordon branch of the Ku-ring-gai Library and is highly utilised by over 20 different interest groups on a weekly basis. Most of these groups utilise the meeting rooms situated in the Old School Building and is managed by Community and Recreation. Regular violin lessons are held there up to 9 hours per week.

Marian St Theatre

Subject to separate process of consultation, the Marian St Theatre has a long history in Ku-ring-gai. It was a professional theatre run by the Northside Theatre Company (NTC) until their disbandment in 2001. After this time, the Marian St Theatre for Young People (MSTYP) who was the drama school and children’s theatre arm of the NTC formed a not-for-profit organisation and were awarded a lease by Ku-ring-gai Council to manage the theatre. This lease was transferred to a licence in 2011. In December 2013 the building was closed due to major non-compliance issues in relation to compliance with the Building Code of Australia and significant potential Work, Health and Safety issues. The separate study was been undertaken for Council to determine the cost of the repairs, and to develop a detailed governance and operating structure for its future operations should it be re-opened.

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To date this venue remains closed, forcing the MYTYP to hire other spaces, including church halls and private school facilities for their rehearsals and performances.

East Lindfield Community Hall

East Lindfield Community Centre is a modern venue for group meetings or parties, indoor activities i.e. dance classes, martial arts, indoor sports programs. It can accommodate up to 150 people and has a stage, kitchen with fridge and oven, tables and chairs. It is available to hire between 7am - midnight on Sundays and Thursdays, and 7am - 1am Fridays and Saturdays. The Chatswood Musical Society utilise this facility around 4 to 5 hours per week, together with a local children’s dance group.

Lindfield Community Centre / Resource Centre / Meeting Room

Lindfield Community Centre catering for group meetings, classes and small parties. It can accommodate up to 60 people and has a piano and projector screen. Available for bookings every day, 7am - midnight. It is regularly hired out for dance and music rehearsals. MSTYP also utilise this space for rehearsals.

West Lindfield Community Hall

This hall has a capacity of up to 100 people and is suitable for group meetings and family functions indoor sport activities. It has a fully-equipped kitchen, air conditioning and outdoor playground for the kids. This hall is available to book every day, 7am - 1am. The Ku-ring-gai Art Society regularly uses the space for around 3 hours per week.

West Pymble Community Hall

The West Pymble Community Hall is a popular venue for family functions and parties, also indoor sports activities. The hall can accommodate up to 100 people. It has a stage, kitchen and disabled access. It is available to book Sunday to Thursday, 7am - 11pm, and Friday and Saturday, 7am - 1am. The arts uses are predominantly dance based up to 14 hours per week.

Turramurra Community Hall

Turramurra Seniors Centre / Community Hall caters for small functions and group meetings, with air conditioning, kitchen and projector screen. This hall can accommodate up to 70 people. It is available for bookings every day, 7am - midnight. It is mostly used by special interest groups, but is also used regularly for ballet and drama rehearsals and by the Turramurra Spinners and Weavers group.

3.4.3 USAGE AND QUALITY OF CURRENT FACILITIES

The existing facilities outlined in Section 3.4 are heavily utilised by community groups across a broad range of activities which include special interest, civic and art and cultural uses. These facilities vary in size, functional appropriateness and level of amenity and are in various states of repair and require regular and ongoing maintenance.

A large portion of the usage of these existing facilities is by specialist interest groups (over 200 hours / week), which include a range of activities from various types of club activities to language classes, help services to martial arts groups (refer to Figure 4 below). As the existing facilities are so heavily utilised, access by cultural and arts groups is restricted, which therefore impacts these groups ability to expand or maintain relevance to their users and members. Furthermore, the types of spaces available for arts groups have limited technical and functional requirements specific to these groups and are not suitable or large enough to use as a performance venue or exhibition space.

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Figure 4 – Average Weekly Utilisation of Council Facilities (Analysis of council data)

Groups like the Marian Street Theatre for Young People (MSTYP) who are generally not included within the above figures apart from 2 hours at the Lindfield Community Centre, utilise Church Halls and venues outside of the LGA to rehearsal in due to the lack of available facilities.

Outside of these facilities many of the local private schools facilities or churches are utilised for concerts and major events by many of the well-established arts groups. However these halls are subject to availability, with the Schools wanting to keep a degree of flexibility around use by external parties. As a result, bookings by external parties for these venues can only be made up to 6 weeks in advance of the performance, which provides only a limited time for production and distribution marketing material and the construction of sets etc. specific to the venue. On occasion, schools have rescheduled performances which require other venues to be sourced at short notice. The Church facilities are only accessible if used in times of non-church use - generally pre-performance.

Many of the school halls also have limited operating timing due to their proximity to residential zones, and are often not accessible after hours or at certain times on the weekend. The costs to hire these venues also vary widely.

Hours per week

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4. Benchmarks

4.1 Civic and Cultural Facilities

A Civic & Cultural Hub has a long history in major Australian cities but is being seen more as an integral element of cultural infrastructure for local Councils and can provide a strong basis for engagement, understanding and sharing across different cultures, art forms and ages.

Benchmark facilities have been identified across Australia to assist in the process of refining needs of the community; understanding synergies between different uses and services offered by other facilities, and provide useful metric on space and functional requirements. Relevant examples for community facilities that are targeted for arts and cultural uses include:

The Sydney Creative Hub will provide inner city spaces dedicated to creative practice by professional or semi-professional artists and creative teams. It will be located within a new mixed use development complex in Bathurst Street in Sydney CBD.

The Hub will deliver affordable space for artists and creative teams to develop their work will encourage upward and downward mentoring. The facilities are currently in the design phase and will include: office/meeting spaces and spaces for sector peak bodies and organisations, rehearsal spaces for theatre, dance, music, workshop and studio visual arts, edit suites and green screen spaces for digital media and one artists residency, who will have some responsibility to the creative output of the Hub. This project is currently being delivered under a Voluntary Planning Agreements between a Developer and the City of Sydney.

Pine Street Creative Arts Centre in Chippendale is a dedicated, community focused arts facility and gallery, and has been in operation in its current form for approximately 15 years. The Centre aims to encourage participation in lifelong learning within a cultural and creative framework. Artistic development is encouraged through all the Centre’s activities, including a diverse and dynamic range of arts workshops, exhibitions, community projects and events. These are designed to promote local arts and cultural activities, provide positive social outcomes and encourage local creative economies. (reference: City of Sydney).

Pine Street Creative Arts Centre

The Blue Mountains Cultural Centre was opened in 2012 and delivers a centre for the display of local and traveling art exhibitions, in addition to an Interpretative Centre for the world heritage site of the Blue Mountains. The Cultural Centre is now considered a Tourism Gateway for the greater Blue Mountains area. The facility provides accessible/hireable spaces for the local community for creative arts workshops, flexible gallery space with storage, loading dock and preparation spaces, Interpretative exhibition space, community Library, theatrette / seminar space and community workshop space (wet room) / function space. This project was a public private partnership

City of Sydney Creative Hub

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between Coles and Local Council and successfully delivered cultural assets to the benefit of the community.

Campbelltown Arts Centre aims to engage, inspire and respond to the issues of the region's communities through the production of contemporary cultural programs.

The core focus of Campbelltown Arts Centre is to develop and deliver innovative high quality contemporary arts programs that maximise opportunities and avenues for communities to engage with contemporary, multi-arts practice. The Centre’s program encompasses all forms of the visual, performing, literary and new media arts.

4.2 Business Incubators

In addressing Theme 5 Community Strategic Plan 2030, it has also been identified by Council that the proposed Gordon Cultural and Civic Hub could also include space for business and arts incubators that aim to assist arts groups and smaller businesses in establishing their own business with information and advice on business management, marketing, information technology and other business administration.

4.2.1 WHAT IS A BUSINESS INCUBATOR? Business incubators provide a physical location in which a new business can start, in an environment supported by business advice and shared services.

Worldwide experience has shown that new business enterprises started in the environment of a business enterprise centre (business incubator) enjoy a success rate as high as 85% after three years. This contrasts with a very high failure rate, which can be as high as 90% within the first three years 4

A typical business incubator would have the space to accommodate between 15-50 small businesses, all working towards the goal of ‘graduating' from the facility within 2-3 years. During this time, the business owner has access to business advice and support services for the purpose of getting the business off and running in a cost effective and supportive environment.

Business incubators help to reduce the failure rate of start-up businesses which makes them economically viable as they help to create jobs and stimulate the economy.

Business incubators often provide:

• On-site, business support, mentoring and training – many incubators are managed or located by the local Small Business Centre, Universities or Local Council

• Instant peer support and networking opportunities created with other small business owners and managers.

• Minimal start-up costs – many incubators offer competitive ‘rental' rates, which assist with minimising costs so that you can focus more on developing your business rather than worrying about paying the next big bill.

4 Welshpool Business Enterprise Centre Inc http://www.wbec.com.au/about-us/

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• Depending on the centre, there is usually only a minimal bond requirement or none at all.

• No long term lease required. Most incubators run on monthly terms, so that's easy in and out.

• Access – most incubators allow 7-day x 24 hour access to tenants.

• Shared administration facilities and meeting / training rooms.5

They are generally created or located by/within Universities as an ancillary service to students or research programs or alternatively by Local Council or private training institutes. A number are registered under Business Incubators and Innovation Australia (BIIA) which is a national not for profit association that advances and supports professionals who want to:

• Learn about innovative economic, business and community development strategies

• Accelerate the growth of towns, regions and industry sectors

• Create and manage viable business incubation programs

ATP Innovations – Technology-based Incubator

ATP Innovations is Australia’s leading business incubator. They partner with technology-based businesses to give them the best chance of achieving commercial success as quickly as possible. ATP Innovations works with researchers and entrepreneurs to help them raise capital, build a team, secure government grants, create new products, grow revenue and ultimately exit the business profitably.

Their experienced executive team has worked with more than 80 businesses since 2006, helping them raise over $121 million, file 250 patents and trademarks, sell products across the globe and for eight, sell their business. ATP Innovations hosts Sydney’s largest community of entrepreneurs within the National Innovation Centre, where more than 60 companies employ over 350 staff. We strive to create a supportive entrepreneurial eco-system where innovation can thrive.

ATP Innovations is a joint initiative of the University of Sydney, University of Technology, Sydney, The University of New South Wales and Australian National University and is focused on technology-based businesses that can leverage off other similar businesses and industries within this particular incubator.

5 https://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/business-topics/premises-location/business-incubators/ From the WA Small Business Development Corporation

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Brunswick Business Incubator

The Brunswick Business Incubator (BBI), based in Brunswick Melbourne, provides premises, advice, services and support to new and emerging businesses to assist them to become established and profitable. BBI tenants are provided with their own workspace and a supportive environment in which to grow their business. They share the incubator’s premises and have access to a range of support services. The BBI has 60 office spaces and provides opportunities for tenants to refer clients to one another and to participate in a range of learning and networking activities. The aim of the incubator is for start-up businesses to “graduate” after 3 years and relocate to commercial accommodation when they are commercially viable.

The Incubator opened in July 2002 and was jointly funded by the Commonwealth Government’s AusIndustry Small Business Incubator Program and the Moreland City Council.

4.2.2 ARTS INCUBATORS Specifically, focused on arts groups and forms, these incubators aim to help small artistic business grow.

Darebin Enterprise Centre - Creative and Digital Arts Incubator

The Darebin Enterprise Centre Ltd (DECL) functions as a business incubator for small businesses, indigenous Australian businesses and creative and digital arts-based businesses.

DECL’s objectives are:

• To assist small business development through small business incubation;

• To provide services and mentoring support to small business owners and managers;

• To create local employment opportunities through the development and growth of small business enterprises;

• To improve the long term viability of small business enterprises;

• To support Indigenous entrepreneurs, contractors and corporations to build independent and viable business capacity;

• To provide business services and mentoring support to Indigenous small business owners and managers; and

• To provide arts-based businesses with services and mentoring.

The Creative and Digital Arts Incubator, commonly referred to as ArtDECL, was established in 2010 after two years of extensive planning. The Darebin Enterprise Centre in conjunction with the City of Darebin refurbished the former Northcote Police Station in James Street to utilise as business incubator office space. Northcote is well-known for being a hub of creativity just out of Melbourne, providing an inspirational location for the businesses in residence.

The concept of ArtDECL builds upon the highly successful and internationally recognised Darebin Enterprise Centre - with the main focus and mission of the facility to assist newly established digital arts businesses during the critical initial growth phase.

This project has received support from both the City of Darebin and local community.

The facility itself has the capacity to accommodate up to twelve client businesses and provides critical services such as financial management, marketing planning, basic website development, networking opportunities and legal/governance knowledge.

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Aucpicious Arts Incubator - Melbourne

Arts Incubators equip cultural groups and arts entrepreneurs with the skills, tools, and business environment necessary to meet short and long range objectives. Integrated facility and organisational development services are what distinguish arts incubation form a cooperative arts space or merely shared office space. The multidimensional relationship with clients and an ‘action based — real time’ (rather than) theoretical approach to management growth also sets arts incubators apart.

The Auspicious Arts Incubator is a specifically designed, flexible suite of programs that enables each participant to gain practical skills and knowledge that will contribute to forming and growing a sustainable small business that will thrive in the competitive market of the arts.

Red Hot Arts Central Australia

Located in Alice Springs, Red Hot Arts Central Australia plays an important role in supporting the creative development of local artists, providing space, professional guidance and creative provocation through the arts incubator program. Artists of all disciplines are encouraged to participate. The main goal of the arts incubator program is to foster the artistic development of artists in Central Australia. There are three streams: – PROCESS –PRESENTATION – THE INCUBATOR RESIDENCY

Red Hot Arts Central Australia enables artists to work on their artistic project during up to 12 months, allowing time to research, explore and experiment with new ideas. Artists can apply with an idea or a concept that they are willing to develop. Artists of all disciplines are encouraged to participate. We invite artists to outline why the project will be beneficial for the growth of their practice, articulating what is explored, why and how the project is relevant to audiences.

The incubator residency applicants will receive the following support:

• $2,000 cash – artists fees

• $1,500 in-kind support, including:

• Up to 100 hours of rehearsal space

• Office space

• Professional mentorship: creative support and guidance in developing a sustainable arts practice

• production support for presentation

• Public Liability when using the Red Hot Arts Space (restrictions may apply)

• Provide promotional assistance, including links from our website and use of Red Hot Arts Central Australia’s mailing list

• Resources for identifying available grants

• Assistance in scheduling the rehearsal space

• Create win/win partnerships

• Initiate and develop artistic collaborations

This is funded by Northern Territory State Government and Australia Council for the Arts

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4.2.3 ARTIST RESIDENCY

Residencies provide the unique opportunity for artists to step away from their usual environment for a period of intense focus on their practice. Residencies are offered by local councils, arts organisations, universities, foundations and other agencies.

This could be a further consideration for the Civic & Cultural Hub as a way of engaging with the community and providing a changing artistic environment.

Arts NSW provide funding for residences across NSW as follows:

• Artspace Visual Arts Centre www.artspace.org.au

• Asialink Arts Residency Program www.asialink.unimelb.edu.au

• Ausdance NSW www.ausdance.org.au

• Bundanon Trust Residencies www.bundanon.com.au

• Critical Path www.criticalpath.org.au

• Firstdraft www.firstdraftgallery.com

• Grafton Regional Gallery www.graftongallery.nsw.gov.au

• Hazelhurst Regional Gallery www.hazelhurst.com.au

• Hothouse Theatre www.hothousetheatre.com.au

• Parramatta Artists’ Studios www.parracity.nsw.gov.au

• Performance Space www.performancespace.com.au

• Queen Street Studio Performing Arts Residency www.queenstreetstudio.com

• Shopfront Contemporary Arts (under 25s) www.artslab.shopfront.org.au

• Sturt Australian Contemporary Craft Centre www.sturt.nsw.edu.au

• Sydney Theatre Company www.sydneytheatre.com.au

• Underbelly Arts www.underbellyarts.com.au

• Urban Theatre Projects www.urbantheatre.com.au

• Varuna, the Writers’ House www.varuna.com.au

• Western Plains Cultural Centre www.wpccdubbo.org.au

Other institutions provide residency across the arts sector including:

• Art in Motion www.artinmotion_com.au

• ARP Artist in Residency Program www.arpprojects.com

• Art Park Artist Residency Program www.theartpark.com.au

• Ashfield Council www.ashfield.nsw.gov.au

• Australia Council for the Arts www.australiacouncil.gov.au

• Australian Network for Art & Technology www.anat.org.au

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• Australian Society of Marine Artists www.marineartistsaustralia.com.au

• BigCi (Bilpin International Ground for Creative Initiatives) www.bigci.org

• Botanic Gardens Trust NSW www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

• Culture at Work www.cultureatwork.com.au

• Hill End Artists in Residence Program www.hillendart.com.au

• Imagine Residencies www.artinmotion.com.au

• Imaging the Land International Research Initiative www.cofaunsw.edu.au/research/research-units/iliri

• Marrickville Council www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au

• NG Art www.ngart.com.au

• Sydney College of the Arts www.sydney.edu.au/sca/

• Sydney Olympic Park www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au

• Taronga Zoo www.taronga.org.au/zoo

• The Lock up Cultural Centre www.thelockup.info/

• Theme Polar Arts Program www.transartists.org/air/theme-polar-arts-program

• Warringah Council www.warringah.nsw.gov.au

• Waverley Council www.waverley.nsw.gov.au

• Woollahra Municipal Council www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au/community/arts_and_culture/artist_in_residence

The main Artist Residency programs within Local Council close to Ku-Ring-Gai include:

Warringah Council – Arts Residency

Warringah Council, as the closest geographic comparable to Ku-ring-gai Council runs an Artist Residency program through two of their facilities, the Warringah Creative Space and Kimbriki.

The Warringah Creative Space provides professional development opportunities for arts groups, emerging and established artists through the provision of a professional arts facility and to encourage the broader community's participation in, and access to, the arts in a local setting.

Kimbriki Environmental Enterprises Pty Ltd (KEE) owns and operates the Kimbriki site. Warringah Council is a

51% partner on KEE along with Manly, Mosman and Pittwater Councils. KEE is a leader in waste management education and practice and offers local artists a residency opportunity, generally with a focus on recycled materials.

Residents usually have either spaces for 6 months to which they will be able to exhibit their art on completion.

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Woollahra Municipal Council Artist in Residence Program

Woollahra Council runs an Artist in Residence program which provides up to four rent-free, non-residential unfurnished studios for six to nine month terms for artists to work in. One of the four artist residencies shall be dedicated to a writer in residence.

In return for rent-free use of the studio space, the resident artist will devise and deliver a creative project reflecting an aspect of life in the local area. Resident artists are also expected to grant studio access to visitors. Artist-led projects will require the active participation of Woollahra residents. During the residency, the artist is also encouraged to pursue their own work.

The Woollahra Artist in Residence Program is based at the EJ Ward Paddington Community Centre.

Ashfield Council

The Artist in Residence (AIR) program has played an integral role of the Ashfield cultural community for more than 10 years with over 30 participating artists staying at the historic Thirning Villa in Pratten Park. Established in 2003, the first artist was Andrew Hull from Bourke in North West New South Wales. Andrew set the tone of the program with workshops for children and generous engagement with the community. Initially the program was for Australian artists only, but has since expanded to accept international artists as well.

Since the inception of the program, Ashfield Council has hosted painters, poets, songwriters, a puppeteer, film maker, photographers, sculptors, composer, musicians, textile artist, choreographer, writer, portrait artist, book maker, paper maker, letter cutter, choir master, traditional Chinese ink artist, weaver, printer and more.

Ashfield residents and artists have benefitted greatly from the program by engaging in workshops, artist talks, demonstrations, exhibitions and installations. The broader community continues to benefit from the ongoing development of the Council art collection with donations made by each artist.

The program is open to all art forms including but not limited to; visual, photography, film, theatre, performance, experimental, multi-media, sculpture, music and the literary arts with the focus being to provide artists with the opportunity to develop their practice.

The artist is to include a community development/engagement component in their residency program.

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5. Cultural Hub Objectives

5.1 Civic and Cultural Hub Vision

In order to define and test core vision and objectives for the proposal Gordon Cultural and Civic Hub, stakeholder consultation was undertaken with key Council personal and Councillors, as well as with the major active arts and cultural groups currently practising within the Ku-ring-gai LGA.

Council’s vision is to create a Gordon Cultural and Civic Hub that will represent the varied cultural interests of its community and:




The arts and cultural sector has a significant role to play in enhancing social cohesion, contributing to local tourism and local businesses and general community well-being and the overall impact the Gordon Civic and Cultural Hub may have in this respect will be tested in the future Business Case stage.

The vision and objectives for the Civic and Cultural Hub will be tested further in the Business Case to test the possibilities and aspirations for such a facility and start to consider branding and marketing aspects.

5.2 Civic and Cultural Hub Objectives

In achieving this vision, Council has set the following draft objectives that they are seeking to achieve with the creation of the Gordon Cultural and Civic Hub. In defining these objectives, Council acknowledges that they are aspirational and as such it recognises they will require a long term strategy across a range of separate Council initiatives, programs and activities. These objectives are to:

• promote cross-generational cultural activity

• provide opportunities to engage with youth in the creative exploration of the arts and potential to outreach to local schools

• cater for multicultural creative art forms that can provide a platform for enhanced social cohesion and cultural expression

• develop creative industries and provide support for local creative arts organisations and individual local talent

• provide multipurpose functional spaces that are accessible to the whole community

• provide business support to encourage emerging artists

• provide financially sustainable facilities that cater for amateur through to semi-professional artists across all art platforms

• encourage cross-integration between art forms and sharing of cultural skills

• develop a creative connection between the public, the arts and civic ceremony

• provide places to create, rehearse, perform, display and exhibit

• develop opportunities for artists-in-residence programs

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6. Stakeholder Consultation

To inform the development of this Needs Analysis, broad consultation has been undertaken with key stakeholders within Council and the community. A stakeholder is defined as anyone who has an interest in the project, can influence or impact the success of the project, or will be affected by its deliverables or output. Ku-ring-gai Council will need to actively manage its stakeholders to gain their input early in the lifecycle of this project, but also build and maintain the ongoing support and commitment of stakeholders to steer the project towards the desired outcomes.

As the ultimate beneficiaries of the cultural assets within Ku-ring-gai, the community has been involved in the consultation process to ensure their needs are heard, but also any to ensure future capital projects respond to the activities and interests of the users.

A Stakeholder Consultation Plan was prepared and is included under Appendix 2 for further detail. The key stakeholders and the outcomes of the consultation are summarised below.

6.1 Key Stakeholders

The key stakeholders identified to date in consultation with Council include:

Output Accountable

• Ku-Ring-Gai Council – elected officials

• Ku-Ring-Gai Council GMD (General Manager and Directors) – Executive Steering Committee

• Ku-Ring-Gai Director Strategy and Environment – Project Sponsor

• Ku-Ring-Gai Council Local Centres -Major Projects - Project Control Group

Provider

• Community groups including Marion St Theatre for Young People, Ku-Ring-Gai Philharmonic, Fitz at St Ives, Grace Cossington Smith Gallery, Ku-ring-gai Art Centre, Roseville Arts Society; English at Gordon Group; Community Migrant Resource Centre; and Aboriginal Heritage Office.

• Ku-Ring-Gai LGA residents

Output Delivery

• Ku-Ring-Gai City Council Urban Design team (project manager)

• Gordon Cultural Hub Project Working Party

Output Utilisation

Those similar to Providers as the intention is the community groups and stakeholders that provide input into the Needs Analysis and definition of requirements will also utilise the services and facilities to be provided by the Gordon Cultural Hub.

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Outcome Impacted

Residents and businesses located near and adjacent the proposed site will be impacted by the redevelopment works and creation of a new Civic and Cultural Hub. Council staff will also be impacted during works and post opening as they adjust to a new working environment.

Review

A number of stakeholders will need to review the proposals for the new Cultural and Civic Hub, in addition to the subsequent Business Case, procurement process and construction.

6.2 Stakeholder Consultation

Community Survey

A critical element of the stakeholder consultation strategy is a community survey. The survey provides insight into the needs and views of a range of representatives from the community which will be particularly useful at this stage of the process and is imperative in defining the needs for a new Hub the in Gordon Local Centre.

The aim of the survey is to assess community views about whether it would be desirable to replace old and out-of-date arts facilities under the care of Council with a new centralised facility located in Gordon.

In broad terms, the questions asked during the interview were designed to understand each respondent’s level of involvement in a range of activities and hobbies, the nature of their household and their reactions to the proposed redevelopment of cultural/arts facilities in the area.

The sample reached people in all of the suburbs that make up the Ku-ring-gai LGA. The age profile of respondents was a reasonable match with the 2011 census profile. English was the only language spoken in 85% of homes; Cantonese and Mandarin were also spoken in 3% and 2% of homes respectively. Forty percent of people reported speaking other languages, with 4 people reporting Spanish, 3 French and 2 each of Russian, Japanese, Indian, German and Hindi.

The full survey is enclosed under Appendix 3 and the outcomes of the summary are summaries below:

Concerts and plays were the most recent theatre-based events patronised by 42% and 41% of the sample respectively. Thirty-eight percent of the sample had been to both “…a museum, art gallery or exhibition” and “…a play, concert or other theatre performance” in the six month prior to the survey. This points to a strong demand for a range of cultural activities in the Ku-ring-gai community.

Seventy-seven percent of the sample would support the idea of replacing the old facilities with a new centralised facility at Gordon. Eleven percent of respondents would not support the proposal, while 12% were undecided or had no opinion.

The event to which people felt that items in a list of potential uses for parts of the new facility were personally relevant ranged from 66% (“a theatre in which choral and musical events could be performed”) of the sample to 51% (“spaces that artists could use as workshops to create their art”).

Three-quarters (74%) of people who had “…attended a play concert or other theatre event” in the previous six months thought that “a theatre in which music and choral events could be performed” was relevant to themselves personally. This suggests that a substantial proportion of the population would actually patronise events if venues were available.

Because the introduction to the survey that included, “…find out residents’ views about arts and cultural facilities in the area…” it may be that there is a slight bias toward people interested in the arts being willing to participate. However, the profile of answers to questions about the most recent participation in a range of non-arts related activities match those from a larger sample of the Greater Sydney Area. For this reason, we feel that the sample is reasonably reflective of the interests and opinions of the Ku-ring-gai community.

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Focus Groups

Due to the strong existing arts sector in Ku-Ring-Gai LGA, a number of community groups have already been identified as having significant interest and influence over the Gordon Civic and Cultural Hub and therefore it is best to engage with these stakeholders in a more intimate forum.

Small focus group workshops were arranged to understand the current issues facing these groups and their access to facilities in addition to the types of activities/services these groups may anticipate for a future Hub. The focus group workshops involved smaller meetings with prepared information to stimulate discussion and interrogate the needs and aspirations of these groups. To assist with these workshops, information was provided that included a series of case study projects and indicative benchmarks to propose potential preference, in addition to a feedback form. A copy of the questionnaire is enclosed under Appendix 4.

The focus groups included groups and individual across all arts forms and cultural interests. The attendance list is enclosed under Appendix 5.

One-on-One Meetings

Meetings were held directly with a number of previously identified key stakeholders and members of the Ku-ring-gai Council to understand the detailed needs of these parties and who they represent. One-on-One consultation was held with:

• Marian St Theatre for Young People

• Ku-Ring-Gai Philharmonic group

• Grace Cossington Smith Gallery

• Ku-Ring-Gai Art Centre

• Ku-ring-gai Arts Society

• Fitz Youth Centre

• Elizabeth Van Os

• Les Currie & Patrick Corrigan

• English at Gordon Group

• Community Migrant Resource Centre

• Aboriginal Heritage Office

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7. Community Needs

The outcome of the consultation to date supports Council’s consideration that the community would utilise and benefit from co-ordinated cultural facilities with the existing facilities being maintained and utilised where possible. The long history and presence of artistic activity within Ku-ring-gai leads to strong engagement and interest in the arts and this is represented by the level of interest from the public and by the number of arts based groups active within the LGA.

The critical needs of the community is a Cultural & Civic Hub located within central Gordon near public transport, with easy access to parking, space for live performance of different kinds, informal activity areas, shared studios and workspace and opportunities for commercial enterprise. Together with this, the usual civic ceremonies and requirement of Council can be accommodated.

In order to maximise the utilisation of the Hub, the stakeholders have identified that these spaces should be flexible and as multi-purpose as possible but have the necessary technical / functional infrastructure to support the major art forms and civic events. Any new Civic & Cultural Hub will need a co-ordinated booking system with strong management and organisation to ensure it is fully activated as much as possible whilst allowing access to different groups; there should be no prioritisation of groups in relation to the booking system.

It was considered that a large flexible flat floor space would be the most appropriate to meet the performance and exhibition space need, coupled with a range of ancillary spaces, rehearsal spaces, studio workshop spaces, meeting rooms and associated back of house facilities. Also it was deemed important that the Hub should have a foyer space connected to retail and commercial uses, which could also be utilised for exhibitions and other events. From the community survey results, we believe that it would be difficult to justify a 500 seat capacity space for music performance given that currently 1% of the people surveyed had attended such a performance in the last 12 months, whereas there was a stronger demand for concerts and plays in a space of around 200 to 300 person capacity. Although specific groups did note a preference for a large performance space, the support and assistance Council could offer these groups in securing and guaranteeing bookings at other venues would provide better value for money than creation of its own large space. Whilst there is a diverse range of arts and culture interest across the Ku-ring-gai LGA, the profile of interest groups who utilise multimedia platforms or undertake film production is low. Given that this particular type of artistic expression is prevalent elsewhere, we believe that consideration should be given to incorporating a small sound and vision edit suite and associated production office with the Hub facility. The Governance and management of the Cultural and Civic Hub will be an important consideration for Council, to ensure that the vision and objectives for the Hub are achieved in the short, medium and long term. If the Hub is run by the Council, then significant economies can be achieved by being able to draw on Councils resources, as well as ensuring a level of equity in the control of the hiring and booking arrangements, so that all parts of the community including the active arts groups have the opportunity to benefit from the infrastructure provided. An experienced operations manager will also be key to the Hub’s success, in that person must be able to maximise utilisation of the Hub, foster cross integration of arts forms, support artists through mentoring, and drive commercial outcomes to allow for affordable access to community groups, encourage small businesses and facilitate artists in residence programs. This Governance and management structure will be developed as part of the detail Business Case. The different groups and stakeholders identified needs are included below:

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North Shore Craft GroupNorth Shore Craft GroupNorth Shore Craft GroupNorth Shore Craft Group

Years Established 58 years

Number of members Average 40

Art form Crafts: clay, silk, woodwork, glass, wool and jewellery

Current facilities utilised • Gordon library meeting rooms – meet to discuss exhibition planning.


• Ku-ring-gai Town Hall

• Thornleigh Community Centre

• Working spaces not stated

Facility requirements within

the Hub

• Meeting rooms

• Large Exhibition space (similar in size to Ku-ring-gai Town Hall.)

- Good lighting, display systems and environmental conditions – i.e. heating

and cooling

- Storage for display plinths, backdrops etc.

Number of exhibitions per

year

3 major exhibitions per year

Current issues and limitations The hire costs for the Ku-ring-gai Townhall and Wild Flower Garden are seen as too

expensive, and affect the commercial viability exhibiting their work.

Benefits of the proposed Civic

and Cultural Hub

• Increased public visibility of work, central community space.

• Initiative for artists to produce a higher standard of work.

• Place for the community to gather and communicate.

Sunshine Art Studio, Sunshine HomeSunshine Art Studio, Sunshine HomeSunshine Art Studio, Sunshine HomeSunshine Art Studio, Sunshine Home


Number of members Average 70 over three studios

Art form Visual Arts: paper making, visual arts, mixed media, sculpture and ceramics

Current facilities utilised • Pymble Community Centre.

• Frenchs Forest

• Wallarobba (Hornsby)

• Lane Cove galleries

• North Sydney galleries


the Hub

- Large Exhibition space (2 to 3 times per year


year

2- 3 major exhibitions per year

Current issues and limitations They utilise Pymble Community Centre to create, but they have no affordable place

to exhibit.

They don’t get very many Ku-ring-gai residents to the exhibitions


and Cultural Hub

• “An arts hub that can bring the arts together. A space where artists or

musicians can practice their craft as well as an ongoing visual arts gallery,

allowing local artists and groups to exhibit regularly and promote their art.

The space should also be conducive to hosting an opening night event for

an exhibition. Wheelchair accessible”

• “Culturally, a shared creative space, to be accessible to the local artists and

be able to share their art with the local community. Affordable to people

/artists using the space as well as visitors.”

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KuKuKuKu----ringringringring----gai Youth Orchestragai Youth Orchestragai Youth Orchestragai Youth Orchestra


Number of members 50 musician

“We are seeing strong demand for junior community orchestra space. We anticipate

KYO to grow to 120 members by 2018 organised in 3 orchestras and then to 200

members in 4 orchestras during 2020s”

“Current plan is to start a new junior string ensemble in 2016 for musicians at AMEB

Grade 4 and 5. An Alumni orchestra for musicians 20 – 35 years old could then be

considered for 2017. Total members could reach 120 (= 50 + 30 + 40) by 2018.”

Art form Classical Music Orchestra

• Classical Music Orchestra for 14 to 25 yo.

• Classical Music Orchestra for 12 to 35 yo beyond 2017. Musicians over 35

could then join Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra

Current facilities utilised • KYO rehearse at Ku-ring-gai Town Hall, Pymble.

• 1x 2.5hrs session per school week on Thursday evening.

• The Town Hall reasonably sufficient for rehearsal at the moment. But

acoustic quality of the hall and Pacific Highway traffic noise makes it un-

suitable for concerts.

• They anticipate that by Feb 2017, with 3 orchestras, KYO will require

2x2.5hrs + 1x3.5 hrs session per week.

• They anticipate that the number of KYO concerts will also increase over

time. possibly up to 6 concerts per year by 2018.

KYO concerts are held at private school concert halls or churches. Private school

concert halls are preferred because the hall and seating are more suitable for

concert performance and they can provide percussion instruments.


the Hub

- Large Exhibition space (2 to 3 times per year


year

3 major concerts per year

Current issues and limitations “The biggest on-going hurdle is the limited availability of Private school and late

confirmation. Because the school or church gives priority to their own events or

services.”


and Cultural Hub

“This wish list is prepared with the long term requirements in mind. By 2030, KYO

could have over 200 members organised in 4 orchestras (Flag ship, Junior, Junior

String, Alumni). KPO would continue to have their 60 pieces senior orchestra.

We would like to see the following facilities at Gordon Cultural and Civic Hub in the

order of priority.

1. Up to 500 seats performance /rehearsal hall with quality acoustic and tiered

seating suitable for orchestral concert with space for 2 grand pianos on stage.

Multiple screens projection, lighting, PA system.

2. A multipurpose 60 pieces orchestra rehearsal studio / green room. (>120m2)

3. Foyer / reception / lobby / exhibition space. (150 - 250m2)

4. Professional quality kitchen adjacent to reception space enable the venue suitable

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for commercial hire.

5. Instrument, printing facilities, document storage room (30m2).

6. Percussion, large instruments and piano storage room (30m2) connected to the

main performance hall and green room.

7. Loading dock with level access to the performance hall for instruments and stage

equipment.

Nice to have space …

8. Multiple small rehearsal rooms / studios suitable for solo, band, small ensemble

rehearsal, tutorial or recording. (6 rooms x 30m2)”

KuKuKuKu----ringringringring----gai Philharmonic Orchestragai Philharmonic Orchestragai Philharmonic Orchestragai Philharmonic Orchestra


Number of members 120 musician

Art form Classical Music Orchestra

• KPO has also collaborated with dance & visual arts groups

Current facilities utilised Rehearsals held weekly; on average 46 rehearsals p.a. Most rehearsals (eg in 2015

31) held at Ku-ring-gai Town Hall (KTH); the rest in schools or church venues.


the Hub

Performance space with excellent acoustics, (ideally with potential for recordings) &

flexible raked 500 seat audience capacity (with potential to reduce to 350 for

smaller events & stage space for 80 piece orchestra or 100 person choir or dance

performance. (NB KTH purchased by Council in 1990 had 220 seat capacity &

quickly became obsolete as performance venue; given any investment will need to

endure 30 years, plan must not be short-sighted in terms of audience capacity.

Given Ku-ring-gai’s increasing population density, venue needs to cater for 2050).

Performance space to be used for civic ceremonies, local community performance

groups & double as lecture space for company conferencing, writers’ or other

Festival events, U3A events, & be available for local government schools (who

generally do not have good performance spaces) with access also to outside area

amateur/semi-professional/professional arts groups of appropriate scale.

Breakout spaces (flat floor – ideally 2) for rehearsals (with 80 people)/or green room,

to double as facilities for Pilates, yoga, gym, tai chi or other exercise groups,

meetings, ESL classes, conference groups, school holiday camp activities or hire as

event spaces.

Storage for orchestral library, percussion instruments, stands, conductor podium,

chairs & tables for breakout spaces.

Small rooms (4-6) for 1-3 people rehearsing which might be alternatively used for

daytime teaching, consultant appointments (exercise, paramedical or medical), or as

artist studios.

Catering: kitchen facilities to cater for functions (a cooking school?) as well as

cafes/restaurants to create atmosphere of GC&CHub as a ‘go-to’ centre & meeting

place (include a pubic ping pong table?).

Foyer space (with go-to info/display boards about K’gai cultural activities & front of

house capacity) for audiences to gather & have refreshments & which could double

as an exhibition space for visual artists/ongoing profile for K’gai visual artists &

sculptors.

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Parking: accessible parking for audiences & patrons of facilities at the GC&CHub


year

“Performances: 11 concerts presented p.a – 5 full orchestra programs (3 programs

given 2 performances – other 2 programs we can only do 1 performance due to

limitations of school venues) + 3 Community Concerts – chamber music programs

– Sunday afternoon free to local residents presented in church or retirement village

venues.”

Current issues and limitations “General limitations: having no regular (or reliable) performance venue KPO cannot

build a community presence with any professionalism/security. Nor can KPO

develop collaborations with other art-forms & groups. With no secure home venue it

is extremely difficult just trying to make performances happen in Ku-ring-gai. For

audiences KPO is a pop-up arts group, with limited capacity for audience

development.”

“Ku-ring-gai Town Hall: acoustics (boomy hall, lack of acoustic isolation to truck/car

breaking noises on highway; no facilities for sectional tutorials in smaller break-out

spaces or capacity to hold auditions for Concerto Competition; no grand piano.”

“School/church venues: School policies towards community groups change

frequently & vary widely; community groups cannot make bookings with any

security or forward planning. Community groups are always second priority to

school events & may be cancelled at short notice. Costs change & vary widely. Out

of hours accessibility to venues in schools is variable. Church facilities are only

accessible if used in times of no church use - generally pre-performance.”


and Cultural Hub

“1. Providing an accessible, quality home and performance space for KPO & Ku-ring-

gai cultural groups generally.

2. Providing a space for civic ceremony which integrates opportunities for

collaborative profile of Ku-ring-gai cultural group activities

3. Providing a central destination for Ku-ring-gai residents to come to for cultural

activities, life-long, learning, wellbeing and community information.

4. Providing capacity to build audiences for cultural activities in Ku-ring-gai, given

Ku-ring-gai residents would come to associate GC&CHub with cultural activity &

innovation.

Pini HazelPini HazelPini HazelPini Hazelwood & Friends Australian Triowood & Friends Australian Triowood & Friends Australian Triowood & Friends Australian Trio


Number of members 2 to 10

Art form Classical music

Current facilities utilised • Rehearsals at residences

• Turramurra Uniting Church

• Pymble Ladies College


the Hub

“Minimum audience space for 500 people. Dividable for smaller space usage”

Number of concerts per year Varies

Current issues and limitations No comment


and Cultural Hub

“The flexibility to absorb and attract larger groups such as the Ku-ring-gai

Philharmonic Orchestra.

Even the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, who once performed in the old Lindfield

Theatre”

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SydneySiders Express Men’s Barbershop ChorusSydneySiders Express Men’s Barbershop ChorusSydneySiders Express Men’s Barbershop ChorusSydneySiders Express Men’s Barbershop Chorus


Number of members 45

Art form Music

Current facilities utilised • The Ryde Anglican Centre, at Top Ryde

• Rehearse once per week for 3 hours

• Perform at School halls, retirement villages, nursing homes, community

events and private functions


the Hub

” We need, 1. A singing space small hall size 10 sqm

2. Three extra smaller rooms 4 sqm each for section rehearsals

3. Equipment storage of about three square metres for chorus risers, cabinets

and instruments.

4. Toilet and optional small kitchen for supper

Number of concerts per year Varies

Current issues and limitations Availability and security of tenure is uncertain for the Ryde Anglican Centre


and Cultural Hub

“We are like a Men’s Shed for singing and would benefit the Ku-Ring-Gai community

through,

1. Men’s health physically and mentally

2. Help with the establishment of a Youth Chorus

3. Community entertainment

4. Security of tenure of a meeting place locally”

Fitz Youth CentreFitz Youth CentreFitz Youth CentreFitz Youth Centre

Years Established Not stated

Number of members n/a

Art form Music

Current facilities utilised • St Ives Youth Centre

• A.W.O.L Youth Centre Gordon

• The Dungeon Turramurra


the Hub

• Spaces where they can run additional activities beyond the current

program

• Space for live performance, informal activity areas, shared studios and

workspace would be welcomed by the youth. The facilities at St Ives,

Turramurra and the Gordon Library are well used by the community and

should be maintained.

• Need to have access to live music venues and exhibition space

• Places where they can conduct vocational training courses for youth, to

develop skills and experience

Number of concerts per year Varies, have run and number of major events, such as the youth forum and others

that can attract up 400 students from schools in the region.

Parenting seminars attract between 60 to 80 people

Discobilty - dance for youth with disabilities

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Current issues and limitations • Current spaces are fully utilized and have no spare capacity of new

programs

• Securing other spaces is currently problematic, particularly at school

venues, youth groups can get “bumped” from spaces at late notice, and it

can be difficult to find alternative venues.


and Cultural Hub

• Place for to mix youth with cultural and civic activities

Northern Expressions (artistic collective)Northern Expressions (artistic collective)Northern Expressions (artistic collective)Northern Expressions (artistic collective)


Number of members 20 to 30

Art form Visual Arts

Current facilities utilised • Usually meet in cafes etc.

• Exhibitions at various locations across Sydney: Warringah Creative Space,

Gallery Lane Cove, Parliament House.


the Hub

“A gallery space, with adjustable walls, available for short term hire for exhibitions.

Studio space available for cheap rental.

I would like to see something similar to Warringah Creative Space, which offers a

lovely bright exhibition space and artists’ studios, surrounded by well-designed

native garden. It’s a beautiful space; however, location is an issue as it is a bit out of

the way and doesn’t attract passers-by. Gordon would be a more central and easily

accessible location.

Their floor plan, costs and conditions are available at their website:

http://www.warringah.nsw.gov.au/play/arts-and-culture/warringah-creative-space”


year

Not stated

Current issues and limitations “Key issues/limitations are the following:

• availability of appropriate facilities

• location – some galleries have been in out of the way places, thereby

limiting potential audiences

• cost – we obviously try to keep costs to a minimum. This means that we

hang our own exhibitions and roster people to staff them, however costs

can mount up when we include facility hire, insurance, sales commission,

and advertising.”


and Cultural Hub

Major benefits are:

• Cater to the needs of visual artists within the community

• Encourage community awareness of visual arts and visual artists within the

community

• Create a central location within the community for artistic expression

Northside Creative PhotographyNorthside Creative PhotographyNorthside Creative PhotographyNorthside Creative Photography


Number of members 90 – 100 on average, 130 peak

Art form Visual arts - photography

Current facilities utilised Meeting Room

“We meet regularly on the first and third Wednesday of the month in the evening.

The first meeting is a photographic competition and the second is generally a guest

presenter. We also hold occasional workshops on weekends which require a

meeting room.

We presently meet at Lindfield Uniting Church Hall, Cnr Pacific Hwy and Provincial

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Road, Lindfield. The main limitations of the hall are:

• It is not air-conditioned so is freezing in winter and hot in summer

• No security of tenure – we could be forced to leave at any time

• The building owners do not have financial resources to maintain the

building to a satisfactory standard

We have examined Ku-ring-gai Council’s meeting rooms such as the Lindfield and

West Lindfield Community Halls and found them unsuitable.”

“We hold several photographic exhibitions a year and we greatly appreciate the

assistance provided by Willoughby Council to provide us with venues. A favourite

location is the Incinerator Art Space in Willoughby where we have held many

successful exhibitions. As part of the Vivid Festival this year Willoughby Council

invited us to offer a ‘Click Lounge’ at the Chatswood Library on the Concourse.

Another excellent location is the Art Space on the Concourse at Chatswood.

Willoughby Council also has the Foyer Exhibition Space in Victor Street where we

will shortly be having an exhibition.

Ku-ring-gai Council should concentrate limited resources on providing facilities for

amateur artists and associated not for profit organisations. Our exhibitions are

intended to display our work and are not a profit centre.


the Hub

Gordon is a suitable location being:

• Slightly north of our member demographic centre in Lindfield

• Walking distance to the train station – essential since several elderly

members do not drive

• Off street parking available in evenings

• Safe and secure facilities:

• To seat 60 – 70 people with additional space for print stands

• Air-conditioned

• Secure storage for equipment

• Retractable projection screen, PA system

• Kitchen for supper facilities

• Rental not to exceed $20/hour or $80 for an evening Exhibition Space

Facilities

• Permanent

• Flexible hangers to allow different media to be presented

• Exhibition lighting

Note: Council could also consider an exhibition space in the shopping centre which

would attract much more passing foot traffic.


year

2-3 exhibitions per year

Current issues and limitations “The above current facilities are excellent and they only have one problem – they

are provided by Willoughby Council. By contrast Ku-ring-gai Council does not

support the arts and the only exhibition space offered is the “Red Room” in Council’s

building. We will be holding an exhibition here later this year but the space is totally

inadequate. In addition the only passing foot traffic are angry ratepayers. Exhibition

space should be in locations such as busy shopping centres to capture attention.”


and Cultural Hub

“Our club provides both a social outlet as well as a facility for members to develop

skills in the visual art of photography. At present our members are in the older

demographic but a new facility would help us to attract younger members.

Exhibitions provide members with the opportunity to display their work and are

enjoyed immensely by the public.”

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Grace CossingtonGrace CossingtonGrace CossingtonGrace Cossington----Smith GallerySmith GallerySmith GallerySmith Gallery


Number of members N/a

Art form Visual Arts

Current facilities utilised • Grace Cossington-Smith Gallery (part of Abbottsleigh School)


the Hub

• Activation 24/7

• Engage with youth

• Uses like craft markets bring in new audiences

• Need appropriate storage

• Security and environmental controls for any exhibition space

• Fit out needs to be appropriate to semi-professional/amateurs

• Flexibility is critical for exhibition spaces


year

• On –going rolling program of exhibitions

• Major show is the HSC exhibition,

Current issues and limitations • Priority given the student work , therefore limited opportunity to show local

artists work

• Limited car parking and access for the main road


and Cultural Hub

• Better exposure for local artists

• Conducive to encouraging cross integration between art forms

KuKuKuKu----ringringringring----gai Artgai Artgai Artgai Art CentreCentreCentreCentre

Years Established Not stated

Number of members • Information not available

Art form Visual Arts, Ceramics and Music

Current facilities utilised • Studio space in Roseville


the Hub

• Flexible studio space, larger than what is currently at Roseville

• Suitable storage

• Potential for artists in residence program

• Access to a café

• Space to exhibit the work


year

• Exhibit at St Ives Shopping Centre. – need to exhibit where there is plenty

of passing foot traffic

• Exhibit within studio space

Current issues and limitations • Studio space is at full capacity, so there is limited opportunity to vary the

program or attract a wider audience

• A major part of the demographic is missing: 25 to 45 years

• No space to socialise

• No café on site

• Exhibitions are either shown within the studio space or are off site at St Ives

Shopping Centre


and Cultural Hub

• Potential for vocational training if the facilities were available

Marian Street Theatre For Young PeopleMarian Street Theatre For Young PeopleMarian Street Theatre For Young PeopleMarian Street Theatre For Young People

Years Established

Number of members 180 to 230 persons

Art form Theatrical

Current facilities utilised • Current Marian Street Theatre is closed due to WHS issues

• Rehearsal: Hornsby Community College St Ives Campus

• The Knox Business Studies Centre Auditorium (performances)

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• St Johns Church, Gordon

• Gordon Uniting Church

• St Martins Church

• Lindfield Community Hall


the Hub

• A rehearsal space, currently spread across several venues

• Flat floor performance space to accommodation 150 to 250 patrons, with

a permanent place to perform.

• Easy access to public transport

• Easy access to cafe’s and restaurants

• Wet workshop for making props

• Access to Children’s playground

• Office space for administration

• Car parking

• Storage for sets and costumes

Number of performances per

year

2 to 3 performance per year over a two week period

Current issues and limitations • Have no permanent rehearsal or performance space, due to the closure of

the Marian St Theatre Building.


and Cultural Hub

• Opportunity to collaborate with other others, such as the Ku-ring-gai Youth

Orchestra and Visual Arts groups

• Having a professional environment to train in

Wild Flower Garden Wild Flower Garden Wild Flower Garden Wild Flower Garden ---- Les Currie and Patrick CorriganLes Currie and Patrick CorriganLes Currie and Patrick CorriganLes Currie and Patrick Corrigan

Years Established n/a


Art form Events focused activities – Weddings, corporate events

Current facilities utilised • Ku-ring-gai Wild Flower garden at St Ives

• Caley’s Pavilion has a small gallery space


the Hub

• The Hub should also incorporate retail opportunities, public space and

areas for events (markets etc.)

• Flexible space with a flat floor and have a capacity of around 150 people. It

could be used for theatre, music recital, cabarets, events, rehearsal and

civic uses.

• Ku-ring-gai definitely needs a place to “create” and perhaps a small flexible

space to perform

Number of performances per

year

Art and Garden Festival (annual event )

Current issues and limitations • Size of indoor gallery space – (Caley’s Pavilion)

• Noted that the demographics are changing within Ku-ring-gai with an

increase in the Asian population, there is also strong Jewish and South

African nationalises, with no specific arts and cultural experiences available

for these groups


and Cultural Hub

• None stated

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Council EventsCouncil EventsCouncil EventsCouncil Events ---- KuKuKuKu----ringringringring----gai Arts Groupgai Arts Groupgai Arts Groupgai Arts Group

Years Established n/a


Art form Events focused activities –

Current facilities utilised • St Ives Village Green

• Wahroonga Park

• Bicentennial Park

• Guringai area


• Lindfield car park

• Council Chambers


the Hub

• Meeting rooms

• Memorial (Council offices entry)

• External open space if available

• Large under cover space

Number of performances /

programs per year

• Festival on the Green

• Twilight Concert

• Australia Day

• Guringai Festival

• Anzac Day

• Centenary of Anzac program

• Outdoor cinema

• Jewish Hanika celebrations

• Remembrance Day

• International Women’s day

• Education week

• Council Business Event program • Citizenship ceremonies

Current issues and limitations • Need an all-weather space

• Opportunities to grow events calendar


and Cultural Hub

• None stated

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8. Facility Requirements

8.1 Facilities Need Evaluation

From the consultation undertaken and the stakeholder request for varies facilities; we have prepared the following facilities evaluation table for the main functional spaces considered for the Gordon Cultural & Civic Hub. Note that there will need to be ancillary spaces provided to support the activities within these main spaces.

Facility Type Main users Comments / demand

Fixed tiered seat Auditorium

KPO KYO MSTYP

Both KPO and KYO believe that a 500 seat auditorium should be provided within the proposed Hub to support music and drama performance. However the survey of local residents revealed a low % demand for music recital. MSTYP – whilst they are strong advocates of re-instating the existing Marian Street Theatre which has tiered seating, they would be more than happy to utilise a flat floor multi-purpose space for performances for audiences sizes around 150 to 250. We also note that the Glenn Street Theatre and the Chatswood Concourse are close to Ku-ring-gai and as such could be used when a tiered seat auditorium is required. However, this may require some additional support from Council for these groups as the hire costs for these venues is significant. On the basis of the above and the potential lack of utilisation, there is insufficient demand to support a fixed tiered seat auditorium for the Hub.

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Multi-purpose - space flat floor (including rehearsal configuration)

KPO KYO MSTYP Local Dance groups Ku-ring-gai Art Centre Ku-ring-gai Arts Society North Shore Craft Sunshine Arts Studio Sydney Siders Express Barbershop Chorus Fitz Youth Centre Northern Expressions Northside Photography Grace Cossington Smith Council Civic and community events (Ku-ring-gai Art Group) External performance groups Concerts (music)

All and the existing arts groups within Ku-ring-gai supported the proposal for a multipurpose space that could be utilised for a range of uses.

Currently the existing arts groups utilise spaces within and outside the Ku-ring-gai LGA. They spend for over 116 hours per week in rehearsal, as well as utilise a range of venues for performances and exhibitions at certain times of year. Given the current demand for the existing Council owned venues by special interest groups (over 200 hours per week), there is a need for a quality multipurpose space that can be used for performances, exhibition, rehearsals and other events.

For KPO and KYO regular performances, provision for performances over 2 nights should be considered in order to meet their audience size needs. This may require additional support from Council as the costs for a conductor over two nights can be cost prohibitive.

On the basis of the above, we believe that there will be strong utilisation of this type of space both during the week for rehearsals and on weekends for performances , exhibitions and other events

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Rehearsal space KPO KYO MSTYP Local Dance groups Sydney Siders Express Barbershop Chorus Council Civic and community events

Currently of the venues owned by Council are utilised in the evenings on a daily basis by music, dance, singing and theatre groups for rehearsal and by special interest groups. MSTYP also utilise some venues outside of the LGA due to a shortage of rehearsal space.

The configuration and quality of existing rehearsal spaces is poor inflexible.

There would appear to be strong demand for quality rehearsal space, especially since the closure of Marian St Theatre.

We would also recommend keeping many of the smaller venues for use by special interest groups so that their needs are also catered for.

Workshop space / large studio space

Ku-ring-gai Art Centre Ku-ring-gai Arts Society North Shore Craft Sunshine Arts Studio General community

There are few dedicated spaces that can be used for large visual / creative arts groups. The Ku-ring-gai Art Centre is at capacity and has limited or no opportunity for future growth. Furthermore, when utilised for exhibitions, the available studio space is significantly reduced.

Small studio space Local artists Artists in residence

From the consultation feedback, it is apparent that many practicing artists utilise studio space outside of the LGA due to a lack of available space locally.

Small studio spaces can also promote and support artist residency programs

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Multimedia edit suite Small film makers Students Visual arts groups

Whilst there is a gap in the film making / multi media sector within Ku-ring-gai, it is a growing industry in Australia and therefore some purpose built facilities should be considered for the Hub. Note that such spaces can fitful a range of functions, not necessarily confined to multi media.

Meeting and Conference space

KPO KYO MSTYP Fitz Youth Centre Council Civic and community events Community meetings Council run conferences

Ancillary to the Hub main functional spaces, there is a need for the meeting space /function space that a range of groups can utilise as well as provide potential revenue opportunities to support the hub operations.

8.2 Proposed facilities to meet the need

As a result of the evaluation of the identified needs of specific groups against the community and broader Council perspective, a new Cultural and Civic Hub should consider flexible facilities that can be configured for different art forms, either for rehearsal, creative activities or performances.

To accommodate these functions, the following specifies the key dimensions and functional requirements of the spaces.

Room type Key dimensions Key attributes Potential users Foyer Space 150 m2 minimum • Ticketing / box

office • Café (30 persons) • Toilets

• Exhibition space/wall

KPO KYO MSTYP Ku-ring-gai Art Centre Ku-ring-gai Arts Society North Shore Craft Sunshine Arts Studio Sydney Siders Express Barbershop Chorus Fitz Youth Centre Northern Expressions Northside Photography Grace Cossington Smith Council Civic and community events (Ku-ring-gai Art Group External performance groups Concerts (music)

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Room type Key dimensions Key attributes Potential users Office 8 person office –

50M2 • workstations Management

Meeting rooms / conference room

80m2 • Acoustic operable walls to sub-divide the space into two meeting rooms

• Access to a kitchenette

• Good natural light

• District views

KPO KYO MSTYP Fitz Youth Centre Council Civic and community events (Ku-ring-gai Art Group

Green room 10m2 • Kitchenette

• FFE

KPO KYO MSTYP Fitz Youth Centre Sydney Siders Express Barbershop Chorus Council Civic and community events (Ku-ring-gai Art Group External performance groups Dance Groups Concerts (music)

Re-heat kitchen TBC, based on conference capacity

• Suitable for catering for conferences

Council Civic and community events (Ku-ring-gai Art Group Events management and conferencing

Back of House amenities

Suitable for building population

• Male and Female with change room facilities

All

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Room type Key dimensions Key attributes Potential users Multi-Purpose Space Suitable for 200-300

people seated plus a stage areas 160-200m2 The size of the Carriageworks Meduim performance space of 530m2, provides a suitable benchmark for the floor plan size. Ceiling height 7m clear With an operable wall separating the space in half, this can facilitate both dwell rehearsal, or rehearsal and a stage area set up, or part exhibition space.

• Acoustical Performance – acoustically isolated, variable acoustics for music and theatrical

• Acoustic operable walls (x2) to sub-divide the space into two rehearsal rooms

• Sprung floor and dance tarkett

• Staging trusses, lighting bars, drapes, cyclorama, green screen, lighting and associated infrastructure, motorised chain hoist

• AV equipment

• Retractable seating 200-300 persons

• Stage area and wings • Cross over behind

the stage area • Storage • Smoke exhaust

system • Natural light with full

blackout

KPO KYO MSTYP Local Dance groups Ku-ring-gai Art Centre Ku-ring-gai Arts Society North Shore Craft Sunshine Arts Studio Sydney Siders Express Barbershop Chorus Fitz Youth Centre Northern Expressions Northside Photography Grace Cossington Smith Council Civic and community events (Ku-ring-gai Art Group) External performance groups Concerts (music)

Rehearsal space 120 m2 Ceiling height 7m clear

• Acoustical Performance – acoustically isolated, variable acoustics for music and theatrical

• Sprung floor and dance tarkett

• Staging trusses, lighting bars, drapes, lighting and associated infrastructure motorised chain hoist

• Rock Bands • AV equipment

• Storage • Ballet bars

• Mirrored wall with curtain

KPO KYO MSTYP Local Dance groups Council Civic and community events (Ku-ring-gai Art Group) External performance groups Bands

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Room type Key dimensions Key attributes Potential users Loading dock Suitable for bump in of

props, musical performance infrastructure etc.

• Linked to multipurpose space and lift

• Dock leveller

KPO KYO MSTYP Local Dance groups Council Civic and community events (Ku-ring-gai Art Group) External performance groups Bands

Dressing rooms 2 x 1 person 2 x 10 person

• Mirrors

• Wardrobe racks • Sinks, showers, WC

KPO KYO MSTYP Local Dance groups External performance groups Bands

Wardrobe room 20m2 • Cupboards and hanging racks

• FFE

MSTYP Local Dance groups

Equipment store 20m2 • Rack / shelving system

Management

Music store / piano store

20m2 • Rack / shelving system / filing

KPO KYO

Workshop space / large studio space

80m2 • Resilient floor finishes

• Kitchenette and sink

• Storage – tables, chairs art materials

• Paint separator

• Good natural light • FFE


Studio spaces 4 x 12m2 • Resilient floor finishes

• Sink

• Paint separator • Good natural light

Artists in residence Short term leases

Artwork store 10m2 • Racking for painting storage


Goods lift (linked to loading dock)

Minimum internal clearance 1800 x 1400mm

• Suitable door width for a standard pallet

All

Multi Media edit suite 1 x 10m2 • Acoustic isolation, acoustic panel

• No window

Local film producers

Production office (adjacent to edit suite)

6 persons • FFE Local film producers

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The overall square metres of floor space will be in the order of 1650m2 including circulation space.

As a comparison, Included with Appendix 6 are the size and capacities for auditoriums and stages along the east of Australia.

8.3 Regional Facilities

It is important the proposed Gordon Civic and Cultural Hub not only addresses the needs of its immediate community but also complements and draws upon the opportunities provided by other similar facilities in the region – avoiding duplication of existing facilities both within and outside the LGA. As the types of uses proposed will also be in demand across the region and a number of arts groups within Ku-ring-gai would also be interested in access and utilisation of other facilities in adjacent LGA;s it is important Ku-ring-gai liaise with and understand the proposed projects and facilities across the region.

At this stage, it is known the Belrose Library site in Belrose sold recently for $8.6 million and a new library is proposed as part of the Glen St Cultural Hub at 106 Blackbutts Road FRENCHS FOREST NSW 2086.

The Glen St theatre was redeveloped in 2014 with new landscaping and foyer to support the 400 seat theatre. We understand Warringah Council was unsuccessful in their request to increase rates as part of the Fit for Future submission to accommodate major infrastructure projects such as the Library. It is therefore assumed the sale of the Belrose site will directly impact the completion of the Glen St Cultural Hub as a development application has been submitted and is an example of a funding model that may be suitable for the Gordon Civic and Cultural Hub.

The Concourse, Chatswood, delivered by Willoughby City Council, is promoted as the cultural home of the North Shore and one of Sydney’s leading entertainment venues, home to a dynamic range of live arts and entertainment.

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The Concourse incorporates a Concert Hall (seat 1,000) and Theatre (500 people), as well as Rehearsal Centre, Art Space and a multi-purpose function space. It also provides conferencing facilities and venues for hire. The precinct is also home to Chatswood Library which provides over 5,000 square metres of books, resources and reference material, entertainment and information.

This type of facility is more appropriate for professional organisations, however in the event Ku-ring-gai groups such as Ku-ring-gai Symphony Orchestra require bookings for large performances of approximately 500 – 600 people, which it does a limited times each year, it may be the case that Ku-ring-gai Council provide subsidies to these groups to assist with the booking fees for such a venue rather than invest in such a large facility with considerable ongoing operating costs.

8.4 Funding Opportunities

Cultural facilities generally prove to be a challenge as a self-sustaining entity, however there are a number of opportunities available to Council to deliver upon its aspirations and these will be tested fully in the next stage of the Business Case.

The funding sources that could be considered for the Gordon Civic and Cultural Hub include:

• Philanthropic, donations and corporate sponsorship – There may be opportunities for naming rights to different elements of the Hub, special events to be sponsored by corporates for one off donations from philanthropic groups to generally support the ongoing recurrent requirements of Hub but may also contribute to the capital requirements. This would need to be considered within the financial appraisal for the Business Case with some level of committed identified from the various groups.

• Sale of Council assets – similar to the Belrose Library, Ku-ring-gai could consider the sale of a number of its assets that may be incorporated into the Civic and Cultural Hub included the proposed site on Pacific Highway or alternatively the Roseville Art centre

• Voluntary Planning Agreement - A voluntary planning agreement (VPA) is an agreement entered into by a planning authority and a developer. Under the agreement a developer agrees to provide or fund:

o public amenities and public services

o affordable housing

o transport or other infrastructure.

Contributions can be made through:

o dedication of land

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o monetary contributions

o construction of infrastructure

o provision of materials for public benefit and/or use.

This was the solution for the City of Sydney Creative Hub whereby the space within the mixed use development being delivered by the developer was allocated for community use as the Creative Hub and be delivered by the developer as part of the overall scheme.

• Infrastructure NSW has a long term plan as part of the State Infrastructure Strategy 2014 update for arts and cultural facilities across the State and currently has $600 million allocated. There are a number of sites already identified through this strategy for this funding and it is therefore unlikely opportunities such as this would be considered.

• Office of Local Government had a Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme which has now closed for renewal of outstanding infrastructure projects within Local Councils

• Arts NSW generally funds programs and activities in addition to its major facilities such as Carriageworks, Museum of Contemporary Art etc. Again, it is therefore unlikely capital funding could be sourced from this agency.

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9. Next Steps

This Needs Analysis identifies the types of use and groups that would be interested in a new Civic and Cultural Hub in Gordon. The next steps in progressing this proposal includes:

• Development of a Master plan for the existing Council Chambers site at 818 Pacific Highway,

• Prepare and cost a Concept design (including block and stack options) for the preferred option to feed into the Business Case

• Determine a formal project governance structure for the delivery of the project

• Prepare a detailed Business Case to support any capital investment, operating and maintenance costs

• Determine what, if any, commercial opportunity or development envelope could be offered by Council to a potential developer

• Undertake a preliminary demand assessment for retail, residential and other commercial uses to assess the value proposition to a potential development partner

• Develop and implement community engagement strategy

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Appendix 1 – Existing Facility Utilisation

Music

Ku-ring-gai Venue Utilisation Visual Arts

Theatrical / Dance

Other

Venue Group / Activity type Utilisation Category

Ku-ring-gai Town Hall

Ku-ring-gai Youth Orchestra (music) 3 hours per week at night Music

Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra (music) 3 hours per week at night Music

Rock n Soul Choir (music) 3 hours per week at night Music

Mosaico (ceramics) 3 hours per week at night Visual Arts

Rhythm Factory (dance) once per month Theatrical / Dance

Fechtschule Schedule (Medievil fencing) once per month Special interest

Australian Exam Board once per month Special interest

Sydney Academy of Chess once per month Special interest

Author Talks, Davali – India Festival,

Nowruz – Iranian Festival (New Year), Political meetings, other

Council events

Irregular Special interest

Music


Theatrical / Dance

Other


Ku-ring-gai Library

Meeting Rooms

Parent Council for Deaf Children 2 to 3 hours per week Civic

Youth Services – (They have their own room + use the meeting

room )2 to 3 hours per week Civic

Hornsby Ku ring gai Cultural Services 2 to 3 hours per week Cultural

Happy Chinese – Mandarin Classes 2 to 3 hours per week Cultural / lIbrary

Mandarin Stars – Mandarin Classes 2 to 3 hours per week Cultural / Library

Ku ring gai Childrens Library Services – Book Week , Film Nights 2 to 3 hours per week Library

Barbara Hayward Music School – Violin Groups playing together. 2 to 3 hours per week Music

Jim Jam Music – Childrens Music & Movement 2 to 3 hours per week Music

Australian String Academy (Perm.Part Time) – Violin Group 2 to 3 hours per week Music

Active Ku ring gai – Yoga Classes 2 to 3 hours per week Recreational

Subud Northshore - Meditation 2 to 3 hours per week Recreational

Ku ring gai Council – Health & Wellbeing Yoga 2 to 3 hours per week Recreational

University of Third Age – Tai Chi for Senior Citizens 2 to 3 hours per week Recreational

Australian Breast Feeding Assoc (Turramurra) 2 to 3 hours per week Special interest

Friendship Force of Sydney – Community Group 2 to 3 hours per week Special interest

Positive Living Spiritual Centre – Community Group 2 to 3 hours per week Special interest

Fellowship of First Fleet – Community Group 2 to 3 hours per week Special interest

Ku ring gai Seniors – Fall Prevention 2 to 3 hours per week Special interest

Womens Recovery Group – AA Meeting 2 to 3 hours per week Special interest

Jesus Loves Church – Church Group 2 to 3 hours per week Special interest

Computer Pals – Computer classes for Seniors 2 to 3 hours per week Special interest

Harmony Day – multicultural festival,

dance, song, author talks, School Holiday Activities, Drama/Speech

Examinations

Irregular various

Music


Theatrical

Other


West Pymble

Community Hall

The Bonsai Study Group5 hours per week Special interest

Hillbillies Cloggers 2 hours per week Theatrical / Dance

Ku ring gai School of Dance4 hours per week Theatrical / Dance

Kavanagh School Of Irish Dance2 hours per week Theatrical / Dance

Premier Dance School 3 hours per week Theatrical / Dance

Koi Society of Australia 3 hours per week Special interest

St Matthews Anglican Church 2 hours per week Special interest

Suigetsu Iaido 2 hours per week Special interest

Leaps & Bounds 1 hour per week Special interest

Sangha Yoga 1 hour per week Special interest

West Pymble Shotokan Karate Club

3 hours per week Special interest

Simon Duncan – Martial Arts 1 hour per week Special interest

Events (Birthdays etc)varies Special interest

Vacation care School holidays Special interest

Music


Theatrical

Other


West Lindfield

Community Hall

Lady Game Kindergarten

8 hours per day, 5 days

per week during school

days Special interest

Karate for Kids 8 hours per week Special interest

Ku ring gai Orchid Society 3 hours per week Special interest

Wires North Shore branch 2 hours per week Special interest

Sydney Metro Wildlife 2 hours per week Special interest

Ku-ring-gai Art Society 3 hours per week Visual Arts

Events (Birthdays etc) varies Special interest

Music


Theatrical

Other


Lindfield Community

Centre / Resource

Centre / Meeting Room

University of Third Age

- Use the Resource Centre Mon – Friday 9.30am – 4.00pm

7.5 hours per day, 5 days

per week during school

days Special interest

Australian Labour Party 1 hour per month Special interest

Budgerigar Society on NSW 3 hours per month Special interest

North Shore Beekeepers Assoc.- 4 hours per quater 4 hours per quarter Special interest

Community Migrant Resource Centre 8 hours per week Special interest

Permaculture Sydney North Inc 4 hours per month Special interest

Bike North – Resource Centre 2 hours per quarter Special interest

Northside Church of Christ 6 Hours per week Special interest

Heberlein – Feldenkrais Classes 1 hour per week Special interest

Alsford – Feldenkrais Classes 1 hour per week Special interest

North Sydney Local Health District – Seniors Classes 3 hour per week Special interest

Itty Bitty Dance Company 6 hour per week Theatrical / Dance

Bujinkan Graf Dojo 1 hour per week Special interest

Marian Street Theatre 2 hour per week Theatrical / Dance

Dial a Mum Inc 6 hour per month Special interest

Ku ring gai Seniors – Falls Prevention – 2 hour per month Special interest

Phillip Burgess – 4 Hours per week 4 hour per week Music

Music


Theatrical

Other


East Lindfield

Community Hall

Itty Bitty Dance – 13 Hours per week 13 Hours per week Theatrical / Dance

Movement Matters – 1 hour per week 1 hour per week Special interest

Whangs Black Belt Academy – 10 Hours per week 10 hours per week Special interest

Dutch School of Kangoeroe – 4 hours per quater 4 hours per quarter Special interest

Computer Pals for Seniors varies Special interest

That Great Market – 1 full day per month 1 day per month Special interest

Chatswood Musical Society – 4 – 5 Hours per week 4-5 hours per week Music

Events (Birthdays etc) varies Special interest

Music


Theatrical

Other


East Roseville Hall

Ku The Chase Kindergarten8 Hours per day, 5 days per

weekSpecial interest

Roseville P& C After School Care –10 hours per week during

school holidaysSpecial interest

The Cavalcade of History & Fashion 5 hours per month Special interest

Reishinkan Kendo Club 4 hours per week Special interest

Muso Jikiden-Ei Shin-Ryu 2 hours per week music

Drum4 Fun – 1 hour per week 1 - 2 hour per week music

Music


Theatrical

Other


St Ives Community Hall

Jacki Sporensen’s Aerobic Dancing – 3 Hours per week 3 Hours per week Theatrical / Dance

Rhythm Factory – 2 Hours per week 2 hour per week Special interest

Zumba Fitness – 1 Hour per week 1 hour per week Special interest

Ku ring gai Horticultural Society 3 hours per week Special interest

Movement Matters 3 hours per week Special interest

Hornsby Ku ring gai Community College – Yoga 1 hours per week Special interest

Merry Makers – Disabled Dance Group 4 hours per week Theatrical / Dance

Little Kickers 4 hours per week Special interest

Link Church 3 hours per week Special interest

Bahais of Ku ring gai 30 hours per year Special interest

KDFRA – Football Referees Meetings 2 hours per week Special interest

Vacation Care – School Holidays – 8.00am

– 6.00pmSpecial interest

Youth Services 5 hours per week Special interest

Music


Theatrical

Other


Turramurra Community

Centre

Yoga Lifestyle 2 Hours per week Special interest

Go for Fit – Pilates 1 hour per week Special interest

Computer Pals for Seniors 2 hours per month Special interest

Footloose Performance Studio – Ballet and Drama 12 hours per week Theatrical / Dance

Ku ring gai State Electorate Conference 12 hours per year Special interest

Australian Geranium Society 3.5 hours per week Special interest

Easy Care Gardening 3 hours per month Special interest

Turramurra Carpet Bowlers 3 hours per week Special interest

Turramurra Spinners and Weavers 2 hours per week visual arts

Northside Salvation Church 4.5 hours per week Special interest

Ku ring gai Seniors – Seminar Mornings 3 hours per month Special interest

Music


Theatrical

Other


St Ives Community

Groups Meeting Room

Ku ring gai Bridge Club 8 Hours per week Special interest

Ruth Orkin School of Hatha Yoga 8 Hours per week Special interest

The Yoga Room 10 hours per year Special interest

Anne Peckham 2 hours per week Special interest

Music

Visual Arts

Theatrical

Other


Other

Marian St Theatre for Youth People - St Martins Church 1.5 to 3.5 hours per day Theatrical /dance

Marian St Theatre for Youth People - St John's Church 1.5 to 3.5 hours per day Theatrical /dance

Marian St Theatre for Youth People -Hornsby Community college 2 hours per week Theatrical /dance

Marian St Theatre for Youth People -Lindfield Community hall 2 hours per week Theatrical /dance

Marian St Theatre for Youth People -Gordon Uniting church 1.5 hours per week Theatrical /dance

12/10/2015


Appendix 2 – Stakeholder Consultation Plan

STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION PLAN | Gordon Cultural Hub

Cultural Needs Analysis

2015 May 13

Declaration and Terms

Limitations Statement

In preparing this document, Root Projects Australia has relied upon and presumed accurate certain

information (or the absence thereof) provided by government officials and authorities, Ku-ring-gai Council,

and others identified herein. Except as otherwise stated in this document, Root Projects Australia has used

its best endeavours to verify the accuracy or completeness of any such information. To the extent that

such information has proved inconsistent with Ku-ring-gai Council previously stated position, Ku-ring-gai

Council has been advised. No warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied, is made with respect to

the data reported or to the findings, observations and conclusions expressed in this document.

This document has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of Ku-ring-gai Council and is

subject to and issued in connection with the provisions of the contract between Root Projects Australia

and Ku-ring-gai Council. Root Projects Australia accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in

respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any third party.

Copyright, Confidentiality and Circulation

This document is the copyright of Ku-ring-gai Council; It is not to be copied in any form without the

written permission of Ku-ring-gai Council.

This document is confidential. It is not to be used for any purpose other than that intended by the issuing

party. The contents of this document are not to be conveyed to any person or organisation other than the

person to whom it has been issued.

This document is subject to controlled circulation. It is not to be circulated to any person or organisation

other than the person it has been issued to without the written permission of Ku-ring-gai Council.

Document Control

RevisionRevisionRevisionRevision DateDateDateDate PurposePurposePurposePurpose PreparedPreparedPreparedPrepared ReviewedReviewedReviewedReviewed

Draft 13/5/2015 Ku-Ring-Gai

Review

ST CC

Final 29/5/2015 Final issue ST CC

Contents

STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION PLAN | Gordon Cultural Hub Cultural Needs Analysis

Index

1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................... 1

2. Stakeholder Identification ............................................................................................................................................. 4

3. Stakeholder Consultation ............................................................................................................................................. 6

4. Stakeholder Communication ....................................................................................................................................... 9

5. Outcomes ........................................................................................................................................................................ 11

6. Program ........................................................................................................................................................................... 12

7. Ongoing Communication and Consultation ......................................................................................................... 14

Appendix 1 – Stakeholder Consultation Register............................................................................................................ 15

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1. Introduction

1.1 Client

The client for this Stakeholder Consultation Plan (SCP) is Ku-ring-gai Council (Council).

1.2 Project Description

Ku-Ring-Gai City Council is aiming to explore all financially sustainable options for the future development

of a cultural and civic hub, as an integral part of a large redevelopment of the Council Chambers site at 818

Pacific Highway, Gordon. The proposed Gordon Cultural Hub will need to complement existing cultural

infrastructure and provide improved cultural services and facilities to the community.

The Cultural Hub is intended to support the Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2030 which identifies a

number of key themes to direct future development and interaction with the community. The

development of a Cultural Hub will directly impact and support the following themes:




The redevelopment of the Council Chambers site may be a mixed-use development, including new

Council offices, retail, commercial and/or residential, to maximise opportunities to deliver infrastructure for

both Council and the community, however the priority will be to accommodate the cultural and artistic

needs of the community, which is the subject of a Needs Analysis and to which this SCP contributes to.

The Needs Analysis for the Cultural Hub will review

the existing network of cultural infrastructure and

programs delivered across the Ku-ring-gai Local

Government Area, with a view to defining what types

of arts uses would be suitable to include within a

new central facility within Gordon, based on the

perceived demand by the various arts groups and

the greater community and in consideration of

Council’s strategic objectives. There will also be the

need to create strong linkages with the other local

facilities, such as the Marian Street Theatre, the Ku-

ring-gai Arts Centre Roseville and others. The Needs

Analysis will help determine the type of infrastructure

that may be required to support these arts uses.

Subsequent to the Needs Analysis, a Business Case

will be prepared to articulate the case for investment

from Council, development options and financial

feasibility of the project.

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1.3 Definition of Stakeholder

For the purposes of this Stakeholder Consultation Plan, a stakeholder is defined as anyone who has an

interest in the project, can influence or impact the success of the project, or will be affected by its

deliverables or output. Ku-Ring-Gai City Council will need to actively manage its stakeholders to gain their

input early in the lifecycle of this project, but also build and maintain the ongoing support and

commitment of stakeholders to steer the project towards the desired outcomes.

1.4 Purpose of Stakeholder Consultation Plan

This Stakeholder Consultation Plan has been developed specifically for the Needs Analysis of the Gordon

Cultural Hub to be completed in August 2015, however the SCP will be a living document and continue to

be updated as the project develops and additional stakeholders are identified and their influences may

change. It is important to understand the overall lifecycle of a capital asset to appreciate the context of the

need for stakeholder consultation.

Diagram 1 – Capital Project Lifecycle

As outlined in the diagram above, this project is currently at the very beginning of the overall lifecycle for a

capital project and will require the development of a Business Case to fully articulate the need and strategy

for implementation prior to any design work being undertaken and the project becoming a reality through

tender, construction and handover.

The SCP will be a critical element of this phase and the next phase of the project, the preparation of a

Business Case, and subsequently during the design development and construction of a new cultural asset

for Council to ensure all relevant stakeholders are taken on the long journey that is a capital asset project.

The purpose of the Stakeholder Consultation Plan is to outline a strategy for engagement with all

appropriate stakeholders that should provide input into the needs and options for the development project,

how this engagement is to occur and also the management and ongoing responsibilities for stakeholder

consultation.

The SCP is being developed on behalf of Council and it is important that the Ku-Ring-Gai Council project

team endorse this document and understand the strategy defined within to ensure there is consistency

with respect to all external communication and consultation with the community.

1.5 Scope of Stakeholder Consultation Plan

This Stakeholder Consultation Plan relates specifically to the potential Gordon Cultural Hub to be located

at 818 Pacific Highway, Gordon, adjacent the existing Ku-Ring-Gai Council offices and addresses the

consultation and engagement required to deliver the Needs Analysis and Business Case for the potential

Cultural Hub.

The Stakeholder Consultation Plan should be referred to prior to the development of any other community

engagement/consultation strategies for any other arts projects, development of a Communication Plan for

this Cultural Hub project, or wider Community Engagement Plan, again to ensure there is consistency in

IDEA

PROJECT

DEFINITION (BUSINESS CASE)

CONCEPT DESIGN TENDER CONSTRUCTION HANDOVER & DLP

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the engagement strategies employed and also the key messaging and positioning of the Gordon Cultural

Hub to be expressed to the community and external stakeholders identified.

1.6 Objectives of Stakeholder Consultation Plan

The objective of this plan is to document how information will be disseminated to, and received from,

identified stakeholders for this project. The SCP will identify:

• Key Stakeholders;

• Stakeholder interests and issues;

• Consultation strategy - Means and frequency of consultation;

• Roles and responsibilities for SCP implementation; and

• Review mechanisms as the project progresses.

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2. Stakeholder Identification

The identification of stakeholders, particularly key stakeholders, is an important task in the long term

management and subsequently the success of a cultural infrastructure project.

To commence the process stakeholders are classified into categories to assist with defining consultation

strategies and potential interests for similar category stakeholder groups. This also helps identify any inputs

required from the stakeholder category or expected of Ku-Ring-Gai City Council. At this stage of the

project, stakeholders have been identified primarily with a focus on the Needs Analysis and project

planning associated with the preparation of a Business Case for the project. Stakeholders, or the focus on

particular stakeholders, may change as the project progresses and moves towards design, tender,

construction and operations.

The table below indicates the classification description used to identify stakeholders:

Table 1 – Stakeholder Categories

Category Category Description

Output Accountable Client groups that are the corporate owners/sponsors of the project,

supporting the delivery of project outputs and realisation of the

outcomes/benefits.

Provider Groups/organisations that will be required to provide inputs and services to the

project

Output Delivery Groups/organisations that are responsible for the delivery of the project’s

outputs

Output Utilisation Groups/organisations that will be required to implement and utilise the

project’s outputs to enable the realisation of the project’s outcomes

Outcome Impacted Individuals/groups/organisations/related projects that will be impacted by the

achievement of the project’s outcomes

Review Groups/organisations that need to review (or audit) the project and its

outputs/outcomes

Each of the stakeholder groups will have varying degrees of interest in the project, are impacted in different

ways, and have varying abilities to influence the project’s outcomes. This will influence their support and

commitment to the project, in addition to the outcome that is identified through the Needs Analysis and

Business Case. It is on this basis that stakeholders need to be carefully managed and consulted to

maximise the potential benefits and opportunities, and to minimise adverse impacts on the project.

2.1 Key Stakeholders

At this stage of the project and at a high level: the key stakeholders are considered to be:

Output Accountable

• Ku-Ring-Gai Council – elected officials

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• Ku-Ring-Gai Council GMD (General Manager and Directors) – Executive Steering Committee

• Ku-Ring-Gai Director Strategy and Environment – project sponsor

• Ku-Ring-Gai Council Major Projects - Project Control Group

Provider

• Community groups including Marion St Theatre for Young People, Ku-Ring-Gai Philharmonic, Fitz

at St Ives, Grace Cossington Smith Gallery and Roseville Art Centre.

• Ku-Ring-Gai LGA residents

Output Delivery

• Ku-Ring-Gai City Council Urban Design team (project manager)

• Gordon Cultural Hub Project Working Party

Output Utilisation

Those similar to Providers as the intention is the community groups and stakeholders that provide input

into the Needs Analysis and definition of requirements will also utilise the services and facilities to be

provided by the Gordon Cultural Hub.

Outcome Impacted

Residents and businesses located near and adjacent the proposed site will be impacted by the

redevelopment works and creation of a new Civic and Cultural Hub. Council staff will also be impacted

during works and post opening as they adjust to a new working environment.

Review

A number of stakeholders will need to review the proposals for the new Cultural Hub, in addition to the

subsequent Business Case, procurement process and construction.

2.2 Stakeholder Register

Further to the key stakeholders, a stakeholder register has been prepared to identify all stakeholders to

date, their category, interests and risks, as well as consultation required and by whom. This will help inform

the most appropriate consultation method for the different stakeholders, which is subsequently described

in Section 3.

The Stakeholder Register is included in Appendix 1.

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3. Stakeholder Consultation

The stakeholder consultation strategy is based on a two stage approach; Stage 1 is information gathering

that will inform the direction of community needs and potential facility requirements of the Gordon

Cultural Hub, and once these have been defined and reviewed with Council, Stage 2 will involve returning

to stakeholders with the outcomes of the community needs to gain further feedback as to the whether it

addresses their preferences or alternatively why/how their interests will be addressed elsewhere.

The consultation methods utilised will vary for different stakeholder groups and the most appropriate and

effective methods of engagement and consultation will depend on the interest of each stakeholder group.

The level of consultation at this stage and ongoing throughout the project will demonstrate Ku-Ring-Gai

Council’s commitment to stakeholder consultation and participation as a key component of the

development of the Gordon Cultural Hub.

The proposed consultation methods are outlined below.

3.1 Community Survey

Continuing Ku-Ring-Gai’s commitment to engaging with the broad community of its LGA, a community

survey will be undertaken, drawing upon currently available information from other similar surveys relating

to Ku-Ring-Gai Roseville Art Centre

A critical element of Stage 1 of the stakeholder consultation strategy is a community survey. The survey will

provide insight into the needs and views of a range of representatives from the community which will be

particularly useful at this stage of the process and is imperative in defining the needs for new the Gordon

Town Centre. A specialist consultant Environmetrics has been engaged to undertake the survey, which will

involve a telephone survey to gain access to a representative sample of the resident population, identified

through randomly generated numbers from the area defined within the image below:

Diagram 2 – Ku-Ring-Gai Survey Pool

The community survey will consist of a twelve minute

questionnaire, which will be undertaken by Surveytalk, and

involve questioning the randomly selected residents to

participate and respond to target questions that will focus

on:

• Age/Gender band quota

• Past behaviour of participants

• Self-description of participants

• Interest in cultural activities

• Household demographics

It is important the questionnaire is framed appropriately and

will be reviewed with Council prior to release to residents.

Generally, questions will be developed that respond to “what

decisions will we make on the basis of the responses?” and

any questions that are “Nice to know” should be avoided.

The most useful questions are often about past/current

behaviour—a realistic anchor for statements of intention,

such as “When was the last time if ever you….?” Or alternatively “I am the kind of person who…” statements

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are often predictive of behaviour. Any intention to use or buy question are of limited value and the priority

must be on ensuring each question can assist in identifying the cultural and artistic needs of the

community.

The findings will inform Council as to the general needs and interests of the community across a broad

demographic that will include those that do not currently attend or participate in the arts and culture but

may in the future, hence contributing to the needs of the Gordon Cultural Hub. It is important this portion

of the population have the opportunity to engage with arts and culture in the future, even if they do not

currently at the moment. The community survey results will be formatted into a report for issue to Council

and will be encapsulated into the Stakeholder Consultation report.

3.2 Focus Group Workshops

Due to the strong existing arts sector in Ku-Ring-Gai Local Government Area, a number of community

groups have already been identified as having significant interest and influence over the Gordon Cultural

Hub and therefore it is best to engage with these stakeholders in a more intimate forum.

Small focus group workshops are proposed for those stakeholders that are recognised with existing needs

and will contribute to the vibrancy of the Cultural Hub as part of Stage 1. The focus group workshops will

involve smaller meetings with prepared information to stimulate discussion and interrogate the needs and

aspirations of these groups. To assist with these workshops, information will include a series of case study

projects and indicative benchmarks to propose potential preferences.

At this stage, the following focus groups are proposed and may consist of:

• Theatre/music performance based community groups

o ?

• Visual arts groups

o Ku-Ring-Gai Art Society

o Ku-Ring-Gai Art Centre

o Ku-Ring-Gai Art Centre and Gallery – Roseville Lawn Tennis Club

• Youth

o PCYC Ku-Ring-Gai Club

o Turramurra Youth Group

• Smaller business

• Writers?

• Older age groups

• Multi-cultural

The workshops are proposed to be approximately 2 hours in length and include a brief presentation of the

process to date, objectives of the consultation, Council’s high level aspirations for the Gordon Cultural Hub

and a number of agreed case studies and benchmarks for discussion with the various groups to tease out

their needs. There may be need for feedback forms to be left with the community groups for them to

complete and return to provide further opportunity for engagement.

The attendees of the focus groups will need to be agreed with Council to ensure no major conflicts will

arise and all groups are comfortable in providing their views and thoughts within the group forum.

Following discussion with Council, further consultation and a presentation will be made as part of Stage 2

of the stakeholder consultation, to gain further feedback as to the preferred Cultural Hub vision, aspirations

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and proposed accommodation and services. It is envisaged this may involve one major presentation to all

the groups rather that to different distinct forums.

3.3 One-on-One Meetings

As the Gordon Cultural Hub is an important community deliverable for Council over the coming years,

there will be the need to consult with specific individuals/groups and gain their particular insights within a

more targeted environment. One this basis, RPA will attend specific meetings to discuss with these

individuals/groups their contribution to the arts sector and potential interface with the new Gordon

Cultural Hub. These meetings will have an agreed agenda which will be tailored to suit the specific

audience.

At this stage, specific meetings should be held with:

• Marian St Theatre for Young People

• Ku-Ring-Gai Philharmonic group

• Ku-Ring-Gai Council representatives

• Grace Cossington Smith Gallery

• Ku-Ring-Gai Art Centre Roseville

• Fitz Youth Centre

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4. Stakeholder Communication

It is imperative Ku-Ring-Gai Council communicates with its stakeholders throughout the long journey of

the Gordon Cultural Hub.

The objective of stakeholder communication is to:

• raise awareness about the project and create a favourable attitude toward what it can deliver to

individuals, groups and Ku-Ring-Gai Council;

• outline the scope of works of the project;

• raise awareness that the project will provide Ku-Ring-Gai Council and its residents, visitors and

cultural groups with a high quality semi-professional performance theatre, spaces, studios etc. to

support its Community Strategic Plan;

• manage concerns relating to impacts on existing facilities and services, the site, and staff during the

construction period;

• obtain feedback through a range of forums to harvest ideas, issues and concerns and work directly

with stakeholders to ensure that these are consistently understood and managed;

In addition to the specific consultation being undertaken for the Needs Analysis and Business Case, Ku-

Ring-Gai Council will need to manage and maintain appropriate communication with the community and

this will be the subject of Council’s Communication Plan.

The priority at this stage is to undertaken appropriate consultation and then subject to the outcomes of the

Community Needs and development of the Project Vision and Objectives, communication with the

community should commence to inform them of progress and status of information. It is anticipated that

information suitable for release to the public will be around mid-July 2015.

Typical forms of communication, and which would be appropriate for this project but in future stages

relating to design, tender and construction include:

4.1 Website Communication

Ku-Ring-Gai Council utilise its website as a great source of interaction with the community and this should

continue for the Gordon Cultural Hub at the appropriate time. Information proposed for the website may

include:

• Project objectives;

• Scope of works;

• Broad program;

• Status report; and

• Contact person for further information.

The website will be managed by Council with information provided by the project team. This will be

particularly important once the project moves towards any works on-site to enable visitors to be informed

in advance of any visit to Taronga and to minimise the impact on their experience when there.

4.2 Emails and Newsletters

Email notification and newsletters will be used where appropriate to engage with external stakeholders

once the project is at this stage. This is useful to inform stakeholders that are not necessary directly

involved but may still be interested in the project.

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4.3 On site information

Information relating to the project and progress will be available at the existing Gordon Council office to

inform staff as well as visitors. Information may also be located at other strategic locations within and

around the Council once the project has commenced tender.

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5. Outcomes

The findings of the consultation will be co-ordinated into a report for Council’s review and will inform the

outline of the Community Needs, including the community survey, focus groups and direct meetings.

As it is anticipated there will be a wide variety of requests, and therefore the needs identified through

stakeholder consultation will be evaluated against a set of criteria relating to the Council’s objectives and

Community Strategic Plan, to be agreed with Council. As is typical of these types of projects, there will be

often competing needs and views which will need to be assessed against an agreed set of criteria to

determine the priorities for the Cultural Hub.

These will then be tested with stakeholders in Stage 2 of the consultation to gain further insight into the

long term support and utilisation of the Gordon Cultural Hub.

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6. Program

The following tasks and timeframe is proposed for the stakeholder consultation for the Gordon Cultural

Hub.

Activity Deliverables Meetings Timeframe Inputs from Others

Stage 1 – Stakeholder Consultation

Community Survey Questionnaire

Questionnaire to be

agreed with Counci

- 11/5/15 –

18/5/15

Environmetrics

Community Survey

Telephone Survey - 19/5/15 –

19/5/15

Environmetrics to

undertake survey

and produce

Findings Report

Focus Groups Presentation and

feedback from

Focus Groups

Focus groups

including:

Youth

Visual arts groups

Theatre/music

performance based

community groups

Smaller business

Round 1

25/5/15 –

29/5/15

Round 2

2/6/15 -

4/6/15

-

Specific Meetings

One-on-one

meetings with

specific Agenda

Marion St Theatre for

Young People

Ku-Ring-Gai

Philharmonic group

Ku-Ring-Gai Council

representatives

Ku-Ring-Gai Creative

Arts High School

Round 1

25/5/15 –

29/5/15

Round 2

2/6/15 -

4/6/15

-

Stage 2 – Stakeholder Consultation

Focus Group Presentation and

feedback

All groups together 6/7/15 –

10/7/15

Specific Meetings

One-on-one

meetings with one

presentation

Marion St Theatre for

Young People

Ku-Ring-Gai

6/7/15 –

10/7/15

13

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Activity Deliverables Meetings Timeframe Inputs from Others

Philharmonic group

Ku-Ring-Gai Council

representatives

Ku-Ring-Gai Creative

Arts High School

14

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7. Ongoing Communication and Consultation

1.1 Stakeholder Consultation Plan Review

As the project progresses the SCP will be reviewed, particularly for the Business Case and potentially for

design stage. Once the project moves beyond design, the focus will be on communication with the public

and ensuring this is being undertaken in accordance with the strategy outlined by Council. If the direction

or aspirations of the project change in time the key stakeholders may vary slightly and will require a review

of the Stakeholder Consultation Plan to assess whether further consultation is required.

The key milestones for review will generally align with project and design milestones:

• Preparation of the Business Case - Consultation

• Commencement of design development - Consultation

• Submission of Development Application – Consultation

• Development of construction documentation and prior to award of building contract -

Communication

• During construction works - Communication

• Once operational - Communication

• Ad hoc updates carried out whenever events suggest that there has been a change to the

stakeholder environment- Both consultation and communication

1.2 Stakeholder Consultation Plan Responsibilities

The responsibility for review and management of the SCP will lie with Root Projects Australia in

collaboration with Council in addition to the project team of external consultants and internal resources.

15

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Appendix 1 – Stakeholder Consultation Register

STAKEHOLDER STAKEHOLDER STAKEHOLDER STAKEHOLDER

CATEGORYCATEGORYCATEGORYCATEGORY

STAKEHOLDERSTAKEHOLDERSTAKEHOLDERSTAKEHOLDER THEIR INTEREST OR REQUIREMENT THEIR INTEREST OR REQUIREMENT THEIR INTEREST OR REQUIREMENT THEIR INTEREST OR REQUIREMENT

FROM THE PROJECTFROM THE PROJECTFROM THE PROJECTFROM THE PROJECT

WHAT THE PROJECT NEEDSWHAT THE PROJECT NEEDSWHAT THE PROJECT NEEDSWHAT THE PROJECT NEEDS

FROM THE STAKEHOLDERSFROM THE STAKEHOLDERSFROM THE STAKEHOLDERSFROM THE STAKEHOLDERS

PERCEIVED ATTITUDES/RISKSPERCEIVED ATTITUDES/RISKSPERCEIVED ATTITUDES/RISKSPERCEIVED ATTITUDES/RISKS ACTIONS TO ACTIONS TO ACTIONS TO ACTIONS TO TAKE/TIMEFRAMESTAKE/TIMEFRAMESTAKE/TIMEFRAMESTAKE/TIMEFRAMES MANAGED BYMANAGED BYMANAGED BYMANAGED BY

OUTPUT

ACCOUNTABLE

• • • •

OUTPUT

ACCOUNTABLE

• • • •

OUTPUT

ACCOUNTABLE

• • • •

OUTPUT

ACCOUNTABLE

NSW Premier &

Cabinet • • • •

OUTPUT

ACCOUNTABLE

Ku-Ring-Gai

Council

• • • •

PROVIDER Marion St

Theatre for

Young People

• • • •

PROVIDER Ku-Ring-Gai

Philharmonic

• • • •

Fitz at St Ives • • • •

Grace

Cossington

Smith Gallery

• • • •

Roseville Art

Centre

• • • •

Ku-Ring-Gai LGA

residents

• • • •

OUTPUT

DELIVERY

• • • •

OUTPUT

DELIVERY

• • • •

OUTPUT

UTILISATION

• • • •

OUTPUT

UTILISATION

• • • •

OUTPUT

UTILISATION

• • • •

OUTPUT

UTILISATION

• • • •

OUTPUT

UTILISATION

• • • •

OUTCOME

IMPACTED

• • • •

OUTCOME

IMPACTED

• • • •

OUTCOME

IMPACTED

• • • •

OUTCOME

IMPACTED

• • • •

16

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STAKEHOLDER STAKEHOLDER STAKEHOLDER STAKEHOLDER

CATEGORYCATEGORYCATEGORYCATEGORY

STAKEHOLDERSTAKEHOLDERSTAKEHOLDERSTAKEHOLDER THEIR INTEREST OR REQUIREMENT THEIR INTEREST OR REQUIREMENT THEIR INTEREST OR REQUIREMENT THEIR INTEREST OR REQUIREMENT

FROM THE PROJECTFROM THE PROJECTFROM THE PROJECTFROM THE PROJECT

WHAT THE PROJECT NEEDSWHAT THE PROJECT NEEDSWHAT THE PROJECT NEEDSWHAT THE PROJECT NEEDS

FROM THE STAKEHOLDERSFROM THE STAKEHOLDERSFROM THE STAKEHOLDERSFROM THE STAKEHOLDERS

PERCEIVED ATTITUDES/RISKSPERCEIVED ATTITUDES/RISKSPERCEIVED ATTITUDES/RISKSPERCEIVED ATTITUDES/RISKS ACTIONS TO ACTIONS TO ACTIONS TO ACTIONS TO TAKE/TIMEFRAMESTAKE/TIMEFRAMESTAKE/TIMEFRAMESTAKE/TIMEFRAMES MANAGED BYMANAGED BYMANAGED BYMANAGED BY

OUTCOME

IMPACTED

• • • •

OUTCOME

IMPACTED

–

• • •

OUTCOME

IMPACTED

• • • •

REVIEW • • • •




02

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Appendix 3 – Community Survey Report

!

Ku-ring-gai Community Survey • July 2015 Arts and Cultural Facilities

Environmetrics Pty Ltd

ABN 61 003 546 192PO Box 119, Killara NSW 2071T. 1300 802 446 E. [email protected]

www.environmetrics.com.au

Prepared for

Root Projects Australia

August 2015

Client Contact: Chris Crick

Environmetrics contacts: Dr Rob Hall

Ref: R6-1073

R6-1073 Ku-ring-gai Community Survey �2

mailto:[email protected]

Introduc)on 4 .........................................................................................................................

Execu)ve Summary 5 ..............................................................................................................

Findings from the survey 6 ......................................................................................................

Summary 11............................................................................................................................


© Environmetrics Pty Ltd [2015]. All rights reserved; these materials are copyright. No part may be reproduced or copied in any way, form or by any means without prior permission. The proposals, ideas, concepts and methodology set out and described in this document remain the property of Environmetrics Pty Ltd and are provided to Root Projects Australia in confidence. They may not be used or applied by the recipient or disclosed to any other person without the prior written consent of Environmetrics Pty Ltd.

IntroductionThis document is a summary report of the findings of a telephone survey conducted in the Ku-ring-gai Local Government Area in July 2015. The aim of the survey was to assess community views about whether it would be desirable to replace old and out-of-date arts facilities under the care of Council with a new centralised facility located in Gordon.

The questionnaire was designed by Environmetrics in collaboration with Ku-ring-gai Council and Root Projects Australia. The fieldwork was conducted by SurveyTalk who delivered 500 completed interviews. The sample was selected randomly with the constraint that gender and broad age bands should match the community profile. Prior to calling, the list of phone numbers obtained by Surveytalk was checked to eliminate numbers previously used in two recent surveys.

The analyses were conducted by Environmetrics.

In broad terms, the questions asked during the interview were designed to understand each respondent’s level of involvement in a range of activities and hobbies, the nature of their household and their reactions to the proposed redevelopment of cultural/arts facilities in the area. Taken together, the sets of questions provided an appreciation of the extent to which people in the community were interested in the redevelopment of cultural facilities and the likelihood that they would use specific kinds of facilities within the redevelopment.


Executive Summary

- Concerts and plays were the most recent theatre-based events patronised by 42% and 41% of the sample respectively. Thirty-eight percent of the sample had been to both “…a museum, art gallery or exhibition” and “…a play, concert or other theatre performance” in the six month prior to the survey. This points to a strong demand for a range of cultural activities in the Ku-ring-gai community.

- Seventy-seven percent of the sample would support the idea of replacing the old facilities with a new centralised facility at Gordon. Eleven-percent of respondents would not support the proposal, while 12% were undecided or had no opinion.

- The extent to which people felt that items in a list of potential uses for parts of the new facility were personally relevant ranged from 66% (“a theatre in which choral and musical events could be performed”) of the sample to 51% (“spaces that artists could use as workshops to create their art”).

- Three-quarters (74%) of people who had “…attended a play concert or other theatre event” in the previous six months thought that “a theatre in which music and choral events could be performed” was relevant to themselves personally. This suggest that a substantial proportion of the population would actually patronise events if venues were available.

- The sample reached people in all of the suburbs that make up the Ku-ring-gai LGA. The age profile of respondents was a reasonable match with the 2011 census profile. English was the only language spoken in 85% of homes; Cantonese and Mandarin were also spoken in 3% and 2% of homes respectively. Forty percent of people reported speaking other languages, with 4 people reporting Spanish, 3 French and 2 each of Russian, Japanese, Indian, German and Hindi.

- Because the introduction to the survey that included, “…find out residents’ views about arts and cultural facilities in the area…” it may be that there is a slight bias toward people interested in the arts being willing to participate. However, the profile of answers to questions about the most recent participation in a range of non-arts related activities match those from a larger sample of the Greater Sydney Area. For this reason, we feel that the sample is reasonably reflective of the interests and opinions of the Ku-ring-gai community.


Findings from the surveyThe sample consisted of 49% males and 51% females. The ages profile of the sample was a reasonable match with the community population aged over 18 years; the major discrepancy being an under-representation of people aged between 55 and 64 years.

At the beginning of each interview, the recruited respondent was asked say which suburb they live in and to confirm that they were 18 years of age or over.

Three-quarters of the respondents had lived in Ku-ring-gai for more than 10 years. The median number of people per household was three; 11% of households had children 2 to 5 years old; 27% had children 6 to 12; 29% had children 13 to 18.


Table 1: Comparison of population and sample age

Age profiles (%) Survey ABS census 2011

18 - 24 yrs 10 11

25 - 34 yrs 16 10

35 - 44 yrs 18 17

45 - 54 yrs 19 21

55 - 64 yrs 7 16

65 and over 30 25

Table 2: Sample size across suburbs within Ku-ring-gai

Suburb Respondents

Roseville/Roseville Chase 34

Lindfield/East & West Lindfield 64

Killara/East Killara 45

Gordon 34

Pymble/West Pymble 71

Turramurra/North & South Turramurra 89

Warrawee 11

St Ives/St Ives Chase 87

Wahroonga/North Wahroonga 65

TOTAL SAMPLE 500

How active are the people of Ku-ring-gai?A series of questions that we have used since 1991 in our activity tracking studies was included in the this survey to assess the activity level of people living in the Ku-ring-gai LGA. The question format was as follows: “When was the last time, if ever, you personally <activity description>”. The response options were: In the past 6 months; More than 6 months but less than a year; More than a year; and Don’t know/Never. For this report, we give the percentage of the Ku-ring-gai sample that had participated in each activity within the previous 12 months. For comparison, we include the percentages from a survey of the Greater Sydney Area conducted in 2013.

The similarity between the level of participation in common activities such as eating at a restaurant or participating in exercise/fitness suggests that the sample

used for the Ku-ring-gai survey provides a reasonable snapshot of the population. The relatively high participation in activities such as visiting museums and galleries is in line with findings from other surveys showing the relative interest across areas of Sydney in visiting museums.


Table 3: Percent of sample participating

Activity Percent of Ku-ring-gai sample

Percent of Sydney sample

Visited a museum, gallery or exhibition 68 49

Exercise or fitness program 62 63

Attended first-grade or professional sport 40 36

Attended play, concert of other theatre performance 64 49

Worked on a hobby 77 68

Attended club meetings or activities 54 45

Ate out at a restaurant 96 92

Attended a class, lecture or talk 57 32

TOTAL SAMPLE n = 500 n = 1,000

What kinds of performances have people been to in the past year?Three hundred and twenty four people claimed to have been to at least one performance in the past 12 months. One-Third of the 324 respondents had been to two performances, while the median number for the group was three.

The pattern of kinds of performances attended was as follows.

The 3% of people who had been to “other” performances reported being at festivals or mixed performances such as “poetry and music”.

Asked whether they or someone else in the household had a subscription to any kind of performance, 18% of the 324 respondents said that they had a subscription ticket, while 8% said that someone else in the household had a subscription. Five percent reported having a household ticket and 6% reported having had a ticket in the past.

interest in attending amateur or semi-professional performancesAround two-thirds (63%) of respondents claimed to be interested, while 13% were not interested and 23% were undecided.

What kinds of hobbies have people been active with in the past 12 months?Three hundred and eighty four people claimed to have worked on a hobby in this period. The list of hobbies reported was very diverse, ranging from “drone flying” and “restoring vintage cars” to “fly tying” and “collecting themed items”. A substantial proportion of people reported two or more activities, though “gardening” and “reading” featured frequently. Among the more arts-related activities 5% mentioned photography, 10% painting, 14% an activity with fabrics, 9% a musical/vocal activity and 4% sculpture, glasswork or pottery. (The list of activities is attached as a de-identified Excel spreadsheet.)


Table 4: Attendance at each kind of performance

Kind of performance Percent of those who had attended a

performance

Play 41

Concert 42

Orchestral performance 5

Opera 6

Dance 4

Other 3

Base for percentage 324

Eighteen percent of respondents said they did at least one of their hobby activities as part of a class they attend/attended as a student.

Of those 53 people who said they had not been active in a hobby over the past 12 months, 12 had “lost interest”, 3 had medical problems, 3 did not know why, and 35 used some variant of “lack of time” as a reason.

To what extent do members of the Ku-ring-gai community participate in amateur or semi-professional artistic activities?

Fifty seven people (11% of the total sample of 500) said that they are involved in artistic activity on an amateur or semi-professional basis. The 14 people categorised as “other” included 5 involved with writing or broadcasting; two with Japanese flower arrangement and three acting.

How personally relevant did people in the community think particular kinds of facilities would be to them?

Respondents were presented with each of a list of facilities and asked to say “How relevant would it be to you personally if there were a <describe facility>in the centre of Gordon?”. The response options were “relevant”, “irrelevant” or “not sure”. The “not sure” response consistently sat around the 10% or lower level. So, for clarity, we are simply showing the “relevant” responses in table 6 (following page).


Table 5: Amateur or semi-professional activity

Activity Number of people

Music 22

Singing, opera, choir 6

Painting 17

Photography 13

Sculpture/ pottery 4

Working with fabrics 13

Other 14

Did people think there was a type of space not included in the list that they would use or attend?

Around one person in five (19%) had a suggestion. Two-thirds (67%) did not have a suggestion to make and 14% said they could not think of anything at the time or were unsure.

A large number of the responses mentioned additional sporting facilities. A substantial number of others mentioned content rather than facilities, for example, “lectures on science topics”. (A full list is attached in the appendix.)

When the focus was on the replacement of existing, old facilities, would people support Council in replacing these “…by new facilities in a central location” ?

The question was put to each respondent and response options were not read out to them. If a person said either “yes” or “no”, the interviewer asked “why do you say that?” and a list of reasons was recorded and is supplied in de-identified Excel spreadsheets).


Table 7: Support for replacement of old facilities

Kind of performance Percent of sample

Yes 38

Yes—as long as there is no increase in rates 39

No—rates should not be spent on this 4

No—other reason 7

It depends/Unsure at this time 9

No opinion 3

TOTAL SAMPLE 500

Table 6: Percent of sample saying “relevant”

Facility Percent of Ku-ring-gai sample

Spaces in which artists could exhibit 66

Theatre in which dance & plays could be rehearsed & performed 59

Theatre in which music & choral events could be performed 66

Spaces in which to learn creative activities such as painting 54

Spaces that artists could use to create their art 51

Workshop where children & adults could learn to use digital technology for creating art

56

An area for presenting talks and debates 55

A space that could be used for youth & children theatre 59

TOTAL SAMPLE n = 500

SummaryThe Survey indicated that there is a substantial demand for cultural facilities in the Ku-ring-gai area. There is also support for developing a centralised cluster of facilities in Gordon that might replace ageing or out-of-date facilities that exist at the moment. Taken together with the data on current facility usage gathered by Root Projects Australia, it appears that there is sufficient real demand to support the development of replacement facilities located in Gordon.


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GORDON CULTURAL AND CIVIC HUB NEEDS ANALYSIS | Cultural Needs Analysis

Appendix 4 – Focus Group Survey Form

Cultural Needs Analysis

Stakeholder Consultation

Questionnaire

Date 16/07/2015

Revision a

Ku-ring-gai Council is aiming to explore options for the future development of a civic and cultural civic hub,

as an integral part of a large redevelopment of the Gordon Town Centre at 818 Pacific Highway, Gordon.

The proposed Gordon Civic & Cultural Hub will need to complement existing cultural infrastructure and

provide improved cultural services and facilities to the community

Council has engaged Root Projects Australia to undertake a cultural needs analysis to review the existing

network of cultural infrastructure and programs delivered to define what types of arts uses and facilities are

needed to support the various arts groups and the greater community, in consideration of Council’s

strategic objectives.

In accordance with Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2030, the creation of a new Civic & Cultural Hub is

seeking to achieve the following:

The Gordon Civic & Cultural Hub will be guided by

The Community, People and Culture will inform the needs of

the Places, Spaces and Infrastructure which will positively

impact on the Local Economy and Employment.

Cultural Needs Analysis - Continued

Page 2 of 4

Council’s draft vision is to create a Civic and Cultural Hub in Gordon that will:




Councils draft objectives for the Civic and Cultural Hub are:

1. Promote cross-generational cultural activity

2. Provide opportunities to engage with youth in the creative exploration of the arts

3. Cater for the multicultural creative art forms

4. Develop creative industries and provide support for local creative arts organisations

5. Provide multipurpose functional spaces that are accessible to the whole community

6. Provide business support to encourage emerging artists

7. Provide financially sustainable facilities that cater for amateur through to semi-professional artists across all

art platforms

8. Encourage cross-integration between art forms and sharing of cultural skills

9. Develop a creative connection between the public, the arts and civic ceremony

10. Provide places to create, rehearse, perform, display and exhibit

11. Develop opportunities for artists-in-residence programs


Page 3 of 4

As Part of the Consultation process we invite the participants to complete the following questionnaire, so that your

input can be evaluated as part of the process in determining the facility need.

Question Comment

1. Name of the group that you represent?

2. How many years has this group been

established?

3. Approximately on average, how many

members are there?

3. What form of the arts does your group

participate in?

Theatrical, Dance, Music, Visual, or Media

4. What current facilities do your rehearse in or

utilise and what are the current issues /

limitations with these spaces?

How many times per week or month do you

rehearse?

5. What current facilities do you perform at

and display your work at and what are the

current issues / limitations with these spaces.

How many times per year do you perform or

exhibit your work?


Page 4 of 4

6. What type of facilities do you believe would

be important to include within the new Gordon

Cultural and Civic Hub?

(nominate an approx. size appropriate for your

requirements)

7. From question 6 above, what do you see are

the major benefits to the Community and your

group in including the facilities you have

nominated?

8. The Hub will cater for amateur to semi-

professionals. In terms of providing purpose

built infrastructure, do you think that this

where the greatest demand is?

04

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Appendix 5 – Focus Group attendance

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GORDON CULTURAL AND CIVIC HUB NEEDS ANALYSIS | Cultural Needs Analysis

Appendix 6 – Performance Venue Auditorium Metrics Benchmarks

Drama Theatres

Roseville (mix or drama and orchestral performance) with variable acoustics

size of auditorium: 230m²

number of seats: 356

size of stage: 160m²

size of drama rehearsal: 120m²

Glen Street Theatre


Stage size: TBC

rehearsal room: TBC

Marian Street Theatre


Stage size TBC

Abbotsleigh Assembly Hall


size of stage: 120m2

Barker College – The Leslie Hall


size of stage: TBC

Wyong

size of auditorium: 440m²


size of stage: 220m2

size of drama rehearsal: 300m²

Carriage Works

size of medium performance space: 530m² (includes stage and seating area)

rehearsal spaces: 1 - 200m², 2 - 380m², 3 - 190m²

Sydney theatre

Number of seats: 896, or 855 with thrust in

Stage size 270m2

Parramatta Riverside


Stage size 304m2

Regional Theatres

Bathurst Entertainment Centre

Number of seats: 642

Stage size 165m2

Broken Hill Entertainment Centre


Stage size 141m2

Newcastle Civic Precinct Theatre

Number of seats: 1528, or 1481 with the thrust in

Stage size 295m2

Dubbo Theatre and Convention


Stage size 228m2

Griffith Regional Theatre


Stage size 317m2

Taree Manning Entertainment


Stage size 225m2

Port Macquarie Glasshouse


Stage size 188m2

Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre


Stage size 342m2

Lismore Churchill Auditorium


Stage size 180m2

Wollongong Illawarra PAC


Stage size 245m2

Chatswood Concourse Drama Theatre


Stage size 235m2 TBC

Flytower grid needs around 23 to 24 metres in height, can be lower

Music Recital

Angel Place Recital Hall


Iwaki Auditorium (Melbourne)


Harold Lobb Concert Hall (Newcastle)


Verbrugghen Hall (the Con)


The Opera House (studio)


The Concourse (Concert)


Abbotsleigh Peter Duly Concert Hall


Nominal Stage sizes (*source Metric Handbook) no Choir(Choir needs .38m2 per person)

Full Orchestra 144m2

Chamber Orchestra 54m2

Documents

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