$20 million dollar commitment for the redevelopment of The Events Centre

Joe Natoli and Bob Abbot have both pledged support to fast track a $20 million dollar redevelopment of The Events Centre in Caloundra which will result in the creation of a new cultural hub for the Sunshine Coast. International design firm Architectus in association with Guymer Bailey has been appointed to head the design team whose extensive experience includes the redevelopment of the Brisbane Powerhouse and the new $120 million dollar Queensland Gallery of Modern Art.

The redevelopment of The Events Centre will result in;

• An increase of seating capacity from 900 to 1400 in theatre mode;
• New dressing rooms and additional rehearsal spaces;
• A new outdoor performance area featuring a large outdoor screen for live broadcasts;
• A new mezzanine level with multiple training rooms for event management, production and creative industry courses;
• New dining spaces and restaurants;
• A purpose built gallery and exhibition space;
• A new 3 storey grand foyer area complete with elevator;

The new building will also strive to set a new benchmark in sustainable design initiatives with particular emphasis on creating a venue that is iconic in design yet responsive to the need for improved energy efficiency. Green initiatives will include;

• The use of rain water tanks and the recycling of grey water to reduce water consumption;
• Utilising natural air flow to decrease dependency on traditional air conditioning systems;
• Installing solar panels to reduce energy consumption;
• Maximising natural light to decrease the reliance on artificial light.

The total regional government contribution to the project is $4 million with $1.3 million already committed. The remaining funds will come from State and Federal Funding, community fundraising and private investment.

Mayoral candidate Joe Natoli would fast track the $20 million redevelopment of the Events Centre in Caloundra to ensure the Sunshine Coast had a spectacular Performing Arts and Convention centre within the shortest possible time frame. The Sunshine Coast has been crying out for better facilities to view performing arts.  It is a vital part of our community’s life, and this redevelopment will create a magnificent centre,” Mr Natoli said.

“Planning is well underway for the redevelopment and funding from state and federal governments needs to be secured urgently,” Mr Natoli said.

“I have been so impressed with the new management of the centre and the new direction.  I promised Joan Sheldon, (Chair of the Events Centre Board of Directors) that I would fast track the redevelopment, and I will.” said Mr Natoli.

“As a musician, performing arts and the planned redevelopment of the Events Centre in Caloundra is important to me. With “The J” now becoming the popular new performance venue in Noosa and the proposed Maroochy performance centre to be built in the future, the refurbishment of the Events Centre will be part of a new cultural revolution on the coast” Mr Abbot said.

“This is a great opportunity for the whole Sunshine Coast to have an entertainment venue that we can all enjoy. I will work with the Events Centre management and board to ensure that State and Federal government monies are available and that the Sunshine Coast Regional Council is fully committed to the proposal,” Mr Abbot said.

“The board has done a great job with this proposal and we look forward to a whole new entertainment experience at The Events Centre as soon as possible,” said Mr Abbot.   

“Both Joe Natoli and Bob Abbot have been long time supporters of the arts in their respective communities and it is great to see this passion being applied at a regional level. Their commitment to the redevelopment of The Events Centre will ensure that the Sunshine Coast is able to gain a world class facility in the near future of which the entire region can be proud.” said Joan Sheldon AM, Chair of The Events Centre Board of Directors,

A series of consultation workshops is happening now and representatives from the leading cultural companies on the Sunshine Coast have been invited to discuss the design process. Companies represented include;

• Caloundra Chorale and Theatre Company Inc
• BATS Theatre Company
• JALLY Productions
• Maleny Arts Council Inc
• Maleny Film Society
• Andrea Dalton’s Dance Dynamics
• Fierce Studios
• JTV Dance Academy
• Sunshine Coast Academy of Dance and Dramatic Arts
• Suncoast City Performing Arts Centre
• Sunshine Coast Dance Eisteddfod
• Sunshine Coast Vocal Eisteddfod
• Sunshine Coast Repertory Theatre

“The Sunshine Coast’s leading cultural companies and The Events Centre have been experiencing a significant increase in the number of people wanting to participate in the arts so there is a need to develop major arts infrastructure to support this growth. In 2007 The Events Centre set a new record of 100,000 tickets sold and an additional 100,000 people attended non ticketed events. The redevelopment of The Events Centre provides a viable solution for the regional cultural infrastructure needs of the Sunshine Coast with preliminary construction scheduled to commence in 2010” said General Manager Destry Puia.

Board Director and local Councillor Tim Dwyer said “Since 2000 I have been actively involved with The Events Centre as a supporter, Councillor and Director of the board. Since this time The Events Centre has become the leading regional performing arts centre and there is now an urgent need to invest in this key regional facility to ensure that our cultural companies continue to flourish and that we are able to attract the best national and international performers to the region”.

If you would like to contribute to the design of The Events Centre please send your thoughts, comment and support to This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it