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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – CAIRNS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE · COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – CAIRNS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE ... Cairns Performing Arts Centre ... what cultural presence of First

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Page 1: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – CAIRNS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE · COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – CAIRNS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE ... Cairns Performing Arts Centre ... what cultural presence of First

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Agenda – Ordinary Meeting 16 December 2015 - #4964372

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – CAIRNS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

This report provides an overview of the community consultation undertaken for the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) from 14 November until 4 December 2015.

The community was asked to provide feedback through digital mediums (email, Facebook, website), through hard copy forms available at customer service centres and libraries, in writing, and through two public workshops.

There were 196 respondents, generating 261 comments on various aspects of the project. Forty-eight respondents, or 25%, simply praised the project and did not make a suggestion or raise any questions.

The following six subject matters attracted the most questions or suggestions:

(33 comments) had questions over the size of the facility in terms of seating, dressing room space, orchestra pit etc.

(29) were concerned there would be a lack of parking. (22) asked questions as to how the cost of the facility would be

met and whether it would mean increases to rates; what venue hire costs would be; and what ticket prices would be.

(21) made comments about the design and aesthetics of the building.

(20) suggested the consultation was being undertakentoo late in the planning and design process.

(18) suggested more should be done to connect MMP with CPAC.

This report provides an overview of the community consultation undertaken for the Cairns Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) from 14 November until 4 December 2015.

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The CPAC is a component of The Precinct project which will deliver a new purpose-built facility to the Cairns community to replace the ageing Cairns Civic Theatre, and be complemented by the development of Munro Martin Parklands.

Council has drawn upon significant community consultation undertaken for previous proposals, and has further engaged with users of the current theatre to ensure the CPAC will accommodate the needs of the performing arts sector, whether local, regional or national. The community also had the opportunity to provide initial feedback on The Precinct concept in June and July.

Council initiated a three-week community engagement period on 14 November to provide further information, plans and imagery of the new CPAC.

The three-week consultation exercise offered residents the opportunity to comment on plans and imagery of the new CPAC through the following mediums:

Council’s website using the Disqus commenting tool in three locations (Major Projects webpage, Have your Say webpage, and The Precinct Major Projects webpage). During the consultation, Council's home page featured the CPAC to encourage the general public to provide feedback.Council’s Facebook page.The dedicated The Precinct email, which was promoted to stakeholders through The Precinct e-newsletter.Hard-copy feedback forms available at Council's Customer Service Centres, including the Spence Street administration centre, and Cairns Libraries branches. Two public workshops held at Spence Street on 24 November 2015.Writing directly to Council.

Specially designed books (A3) were produced to inform people about the proposal. They were made available at Council's customer service points and Cairns Libraries branches and an electronic version was made available on Council's website. A flythrough of the CPAC was also produced and when it became available on 24 November, was immediately shared on Facebook and placed onto the website.

There was substantial media coverage heavily promoting that feedback was being sought. Council also took paid advertising in The Cairns Post, The Weekend Post(through Council Corner), and the Cairns Sun (through Council Corner). The consultation was also promoted through social media and The Precinct e-newsletter.

In total, 196 people provided 261 comments, covering various aspects of the project (see Attachment 1). Out of the 261 comments, 48 simply praised the project and did not make any suggestions or questions. Two public meetings held at Spence Street were attended by a total of 46 people. Officers also captured all comments made through The Cairns Post’s Facebook page.

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The following is a précis of comments provided during the consultation period.

(33)Comments included that the increase in seating was not sufficient and was not comparable with other regional centres; the relationship between the stage and proscenium meant some sight lines would be impacted; the number of dressing rooms wasn't sufficient if the auditorium and studio theatre were being used in tandem; the orchestra pit was too small; and the site would not allow expansion as the City grows.

Comment – The shortfalls of the Cairn Civic Theatre are well known and well documented through consultation on previous proposals. This data has been stress-tested and complemented through workshops with key users of the Cairns Civic Theatre and discussions with prominent touring productions, to ensure the CPAC willaccommodate the needs of the performing arts sector.

(29) Comments were about insufficient parking in general, even with acquisition of the adjacent Ergon land (48 additional spaces), and specifically when multiple sites were being used in tandem (main auditorium, studio theatre and Munro Martin Parklands). Suggestions to address parking included a multi-storey car park and an underground car park. Several respondents suggested any new car parking structure should be paid parking to off-set the cost.

Comment – This issue of parking will be fully assessed at the time of the Development Application. Preliminary analysis, based on current patronage, indicates that the numberof parking spaces (including 48 spaces on the adjacent Ergon site) is acceptable.Parking pressure will also be alleviated in the evening, when the majority or performances are held, through reduced competition from day workers at surroundingbusinesses. Council will take additional steps to prevent the on-site car park being used by day workers when performances or rehearsals are scheduled during business hours.

(22) Comments centred on how the cost of the facility would be met and whether it would mean increases to rates. There was further concern about venue hire costs and whether community groups/organisations/schools would be able to afford to hire the venue (main auditorium and studio theatre). There was also concern about ticket pricing.

Comment – The Business Case report clearly outlines that the project is affordable and will not impact forecast rate increases. Both hire and tickets costs will be maintained at the current rate, with annual CPI rises indicated.

(21)Comments on the design and aesthetics of the building included the need to include tropical features; more attention on the Grafton and Sheridan street frontages; and a "grand" entrance on Florence Street.

Comment – These matters will be further explored during the Development Application phase, and through discussions with The Precinct Steering Committee and the preferred contractor.

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(20)Respondents suggested consultation was inadequate and was undertaken too late in the planning and design process.

Comment – The latest public consultation builds upon Council’s engagement with Cairns-based performing arts groups that are key users of the theatre, and discussions with major touring productions such as the Queensland Ballet, Queensland Symphony Orchestra and CiRCA. Council also drew upon community consultation undertaken for previous proposals (CEP and PAC) to ensure the CPAC would accommodate the needs of the performing arts sector.

(18)People suggested more should be done to connect MMP with CPAC and connect CPAC to the CBD. Suggestions to improve connectivity including a pedestrian crossing over Florence Street either at grade or as an overpass; permanently closing Florence Street; providing covered walkways or similar weather mitigation on Sheridan and Grafton streets.

Comment – Council is continuing to explore other actions which will enhance the connectivity of the CPAC to the Cairns CBD, including additional covered walkways and signage. Treatment of the Florence Street pavement will provide a sense of connectivity with Munro Martin Parklands while branding of The Precinct and streetscaping improvements will generate a sense of place. It is also possible to temporarily close Florence Street when appropriate to accommodate events that use both Munro Martin Parklands and the CPAC.

Other topics covered including proposed fencing of MMP; whether there would be commercial opportunities; safety and lighting; what cultural presence of First People would be included; and what arrangements were in place for the transition period when the Civic Theatre closes.

Council Officers acknowledge the valuable feedback provided by the community on this project. Whilst this feedback will not be considered as a properly made submission for the purpose of the Development Application, Council will consider the key themes of the feedback in its assessment of the Development Application for the Theatre at the appropriate time. Community members who wish to formally make a submission on the Development Application should do so during the formal Public Notification period in early 2016.

All feedback has been collated and will be provided to The Precinct Steering Committee for consideration.

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Financial:

Funds expended on advertising and collateral total approximately $5,520.

Corporate and Operational Plans:

Support for the project is in accordance with the objectives of Council’s Corporate Plan and Operational Plan.

Statutory:

There are no statutory obligations to consider.

Consultation for the Cairns Performing Arts Centre was undertaken as per the plan outlined and presented to The Precinct Steering Committee on 29 October 2015.

Attachment 1: Table with results of community consultation for the Cairns Performing Arts Centre - #4964174

Michelle WalkdenAccount Manager Marketing and Communications

Linda KirchnerGeneral Manager Community, Sport and Cultural Services

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