By Esther Lauaki
A regional performing arts centre for Melton is a step closer with the council budgeting $150,000 for a scoping study.
Melton arts groups have wanted a public hub for a number of years and councillors last week voted to adopt funding for a needs assessment in its next budget. Cr Sophie Ramsey, a strong supporter of the proposal, believed a study was needed as soon as possible.
“The 2019-20 budget still hasn’t been determined so I would like to think that a scope of these works could go into this budget,” she said.
Council city design, strategy and environment manager Laura-Jo Mellan said two potential sites had been identified by council for a performing arts centre.
“Firstly, there’s a small 0.2 hectare site in the eastern corridor adjacent to the Caroline Springs library,” Ms Mellan said.
“The second site is at the Cobblebank Metropolitan Activity Centre in Ferris Road.
“Currently there is no strategic evidence
to indicate one or another, whether
a performing arts centre is required, if so, when, what scale it would be or how it would function.
“Should council wish to proceed with the notion of such a facility, then a needs assessment would have to undertaken by council to articulate the size of the facility
and the amenities that it would contain and
the services to the community … that assessment would then determine a site and inform what partnerships with other organisations to deliver such a facility.”
