At its May 2020 Ordinary Council Meeting, Leeton Shire Council endorsed the full project proposal received from the Roxy Redevelopment Committee (RRC) for redevelopment of the Roxy Theatre, subject to grant funding.
The initial Roxy Theatre design concept floated in late 2018 drew much community debate which led Council, at its January 2019 Ordinary Council Meeting, to set up a Roxy Redevelopment Committee (RRC), with members representing a wide range of user and community interests, and theatre related skills.
The RRC rigorously explored a range of design options for the Theatre’s redevelopment, consulting extensively with the community. This led to the Council acquiring the building next to the Roxy to increase the building’s footprint, reduce the impact on the heritage fabric of the building, increase back of house areas for performers and improve overall accessibility of the iconic site.
In determining their preferred design option together with the project team and a range of experts, the RRC identified the key priorities to be met,” said Katherine Herrmann, chairperson of the RRC in her presentation to Council.
“This includes a venue that provides high quality cultural experiences and can attract new shows to engage audiences of all ages at the heart of the town’s centre. The process has elicited much debate and deep consideration from all sides, with a consensus reached. What we are presenting delivers the best way forward and I believe lasting value to the community.”
The RRC recommended design endorsed by Council celebrates and highlights the building’s heritage whilst delivering a 21st century cultural venue. The proposed redevelopment will include a larger stage area with increased back of house capability catering for up to 150 performers, improved lighting and sound technology, disability access allowing front door entry, improved sight lines for the audience, comfortable seating, a larger civic space, a second theatrette and areas for socialising. Fire compliance will also be addressed as well as improved climate control.
To achieve the Roxy’s Theatre’s vision, Council will be seeking additional funding of close to $3M in grant funding and, if not successful, Council will look to stage the Roxy Theatre redevelopment. Council has indicated it will be prepared to loan up to a maximum $631,000 in addition to the $500,000 already committed to ensure Stage 1 is completed by December 2021 (which is the date by when the initial grant of $3.9M has to be expended).
Cr Tony Ciccia and Cr Tony Reneker questioned whether Council could afford to extend its loan funding further. Council’s General Manager, Jackie Kruger, advised that this was a last resort if grant funding wasn’t secured and that with COVID-19 stimulus funding on offer from government, staff were hopeful that grant money could be secured.
“While Council’s debt ratio is low and we theoretically have ample capacity for more borrowings, staff are mindful that the General Fund is very tight. Staff are not recommending that Council borrows the full shortfall of $3M but we think a further $630K over 20 years can be managed if that is the only option Council has to achieve Stage 1 of the project,” said Mrs Kruger.
Cr Tracey Morris spoke in support of the redevelopment saying it will attract high quality shows and performers and achieve a multifunctional and versatile space that positions the Roxy Theatre for future generations. It will also deliver a showcase facility that makes Leeton Shire proud bringing a heritage building into the 21st century for future generations.
Cr Michael Kidd concurred stating he believed Council should do whatever was possible to deliver the full project, noting its value will be intergenerational.
“Once completed the new Roxy will serve us well for the next 50 to 100 years,” said Cr Kidd.
Council will now undertake 28 days of public consultation on the proposed design to give community a chance to digest the plans and have any final questions addressed. All feedback needs to be submitted by 5pm, Wednesday 10 June 2020.
The consultation process will include a Roxy Redevelopment presentation via live video presented by the RRC, the project team and Council staff.
The community will also be invited to ‘Have their Say’ through Council’s online engagement portal haveyoursay.leeton.nsw.gov.au including their say on what they like, where they require further clarification and what opportunities they would like pursued.
Further information on public engagement opportunities will be available next week.
