Leeton Shire Council endorsed the setup of a Roxy Redevelopment Committee at its January Ordinary Council Meeting.
Manager Communications and Marketing Brent Lawrence stated in his report to Council that the scope of the Redevelopment Committee is to be a communication conduit to and from Council and to and from the community, as well as provide a range of strategic, technical and compliance advice.
“The Committee will also help formulate options for the future governance of the Roxy Community Theatre so that the arts and culture sector of Leeton and the Western Riverina can grow and develop.”
Ten members of the Roxy Redevelopment Committee were endorsed by Council for a mix of strategic and skill reasons, with local cultural infrastructure development expert Katherine Herrmann to serve as Chairperson. Katherine, who is a Leeton resident, has offered to provide her services in a voluntary capacity. The ten people endorsed by Council to be on the Roxy Redevelopment Committee are: Katherine Herrmann (Chairman), Cr Michael Kidd (elected Council representative), Sam Webber (Roxy Theatre Coordinator)Judy Nolan (Leeton Eisteddfod Society President), Ruth Tait (Leeton Town Band Committee Member), Glenn Saddler (Structural Engineer), Tracey Morris (Business and Financial Management), Erin Draper (Educator and Governance), Matthew Trincer (Director of National Museum of Australia and Design/Art Deco Heritage expert), Professor Andrew Reeves (Cultural Governance professional) and two further community representatives (appointments to be made after nominations have been called).
Sitting alongside the Roxy Redevelopment Committee will be a Council staff led Project Control Group who will oversee the works.
Mr Lawrence made it clear that there is a lot of pre-planning and consultation yet to be done and it is estimated that the redevelopment project itself could take 18 to 20 months to complete.
“Final designs have yet to be confirmed, with further extensive community consultation scheduled from Thursday 21st February. Details on how to register for these engagement sessions will be released to the general public via various media forms this Friday 25th January. Interested residents are strongly encouraged to register to participate in this further consultation.”
“Only once detailed designs are confirmed and fully costed can procurement for the capital works begin. Capital works tenders will only be called once Councillors have approved the final set of designs and the capital works budget. The aim is to have the physical works ready to start as soon as possible after the 2019 Eisteddfod.”
The
community workshops will provide residents and community groups
with a strong interest in the Roxy’s future the opportunity to participate
intensively in the technical and operational issues and proposals including but
not limited to:
Firming up a vision that will ensure The Roxy is enjoyed by future generations
Understanding the restoration process
Optimising seating numbers
Optimising back of house requirements
Ensuring appropriate Disability Access
Ensuring affordable operational costs for both community and Council
Prioritising theatre equipment improvements
Seeking input from Leeton café operators on best way to deliver
functions
and food services to patrons without impacting Leeton retail commercial
activity.
Understanding what is required for successful project delivery
23-25 Chelmsford Place
Leeton NSW 2705
Phone: (02) 6953 0911
Fax: (02) 6953 0977
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