Roxy Redevelopment Committee to be formed

24 Jan 2019 2:18 PM -

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 21^st February. Details on how to register for these engagement sessions will be released to the general public via various media forms this Friday 25^th 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

Nomination forms calling for the remaining two vacancies on the Roxy Redevelopment Committee will be released next Wednesday 30^th January. In the meantime, those who wish to discuss a potential nomination for the Redevelopment Committee can contact Council’s Manager Communications and Marketing Brent Lawrence on (02) 6953 0912 or email brentl@leeton.nsw.gov.au