- Published on
By Catherine Watson
THE State Government has identified the McBride campus of the Wonthaggi Secondary College as the site for a cultural precinct incorporating a regional gallery, principal library and performing arts and convention venue.
THE State Government has identified the McBride campus of the Wonthaggi Secondary College as the site for a cultural precinct incorporating a regional gallery, principal library and performing arts and convention venue.
Education Minister and Deputy Premier James Merlino was in Wonthaggi yesterday to announce that the site would be handed over to the council to manage when the senior campus moves in 2020.
A Bass Coast cultural precinct is a long-held dream but the announcement gives it official credence.
In a prime position on the edge of the CBD, and opposite the council offices, the McBride Avenue site has been in the council’s sights for many years.
It’s listed in the council’s current advocacy list to government as potentially accommodating a regional gallery, a principal library, a performing arts and conference venue, shops and open space.
A 2011 business case estimated the cost of developing a cultural precinct development at $37 million with the opportunity to add $3.7 million to the gross regional product and provide $2.3 million of additional community benefits.
At this stage no funding has been allocated for the project.
Mr Merlino said the school’s previous sports and assemblies space – Webb’s Shed, in McKenzie Street – would also be transformed into a community space.
The college is due to vacate the site in 2020 when the new senior campus opens at the southern end of McKenzie Street, next to the Bass Coast Specialist School.
A Bass Coast cultural precinct is a long-held dream but the announcement gives it official credence.
In a prime position on the edge of the CBD, and opposite the council offices, the McBride Avenue site has been in the council’s sights for many years.
It’s listed in the council’s current advocacy list to government as potentially accommodating a regional gallery, a principal library, a performing arts and conference venue, shops and open space.
A 2011 business case estimated the cost of developing a cultural precinct development at $37 million with the opportunity to add $3.7 million to the gross regional product and provide $2.3 million of additional community benefits.
At this stage no funding has been allocated for the project.
Mr Merlino said the school’s previous sports and assemblies space – Webb’s Shed, in McKenzie Street – would also be transformed into a community space.
The college is due to vacate the site in 2020 when the new senior campus opens at the southern end of McKenzie Street, next to the Bass Coast Specialist School.
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The arts precinct will enhance our community’s; Identity - Meaning - Connection & sense of Belonging.
Congratulations to our Major, Pam Rothfield, her council and staff.
Just to clarify a couple of points:
Webb's Shed - There was a difference in what was said at the announcement and what was written in the Government press release - Webb's Shed will be retained by the Wonthaggi High School to run the Alternate Pathways program and that facility will also be made available for community use outside of school times.
Library? There is a lot of discussion to be had about the best location for our Library. If people consider the difference between 'The Library' when it was the Old Post Office compared to today's site in the middle of town we can see that it's all about location and amenity. Plenty of room to build a state of the art library if the political will is there to pursue the funding.
Imagine that as a focus for aspirational Wonthaggi/Bass Coast.
Another point - what about using the buildings for crisis accommodation and amenity for homeless people - a couple of showers and basic overnight camping/dorm accommodation? Bert would have loved it.