Barossa Culture Hub moves to design phase

The Barossa Council will embark on detailed design for the $7.7 million Barossa Culture Hub to develop a truly landmark regional cultural facility.

Council adopted the draft masterplan for the Hub following extensive community consultation, which attracted more than 120 responses and majority support for the concept.

Council will now move to detailed design, taking into account functionality, aesthetics and design of the facility, located at Barossa Regional Gallery in Tanunda.

Community Projects Director Joanne Thomas described the consultation as highly successful.

“We were really pleased with not only the volume of responses, but people’s careful consideration of how the spaces will be used,” she said.

“The feedback has enriched our understanding of how the Hub should look, feel and operate, and also how it connects with the surrounding neighbourhood.”

Ms Thomas acknowledged the façade of the building had been a sticking point for many in the community.

“People were concerned with the boxy appearance depicted in the consultation documents,” Ms Thomas said.

“We want to reiterate this was purely conceptual until now; our focus has been on content and approach rather than its external look and feel. The architecture of the building will be sympathetic with both the original institute and surrounding historical buildings.

“Attention to the facility’s place in the wider community, parking and linkages to the main street are also recognised as important considerations for the next phase of planning.”

The masterplan adopted by Council includes exhibition, studio, visual art and live performance spaces, as well as interpretive storytelling of our unique Barossa heritage, digital library and gallery.

“Importantly, the premise for the Hub has always been to activate cultural activities across the region,” said Ms Thomas.

“By increasing exposure for our local artists, musicians, historians and artisans, the Hub will give people more ways and more reasons to experience the Barossa’s cultural heritage in authentic and meaningful ways.”