Council adopts grand vision for theatre complex

Published on 05 November 2021

Camperdown’s Theatre Royal complex could become a thriving meeting place for the entire Shire under an ambitious new plan.

The 10-year master plan was adopted by Council at its October meeting.

Under the three-stage plan, the complex would be transformed into a contemporary new space with a complete library refurbishment and new community lounges, offices, meeting rooms, a digital and media hub, gallery, learning and retail spaces.

The complex includes the theatre, Mechanic’s Hall, library, indoor stadium, Killara Centre and McCabe Room, shops, offices, Senior Citizens Centre, a commercial kitchen, toilets and off-street parking.

Mayor Ruth Gstrein said that while it was a very exciting plan, further work would need to be done around feasibility, design and attracting funding for the proposed ideas.

“The Theatre Royal is a great venue and underutilised resource,” Cr Gstrein said.

“Over the past year there has been a lot of work done around finding out what the community wants and expects from the precinct.

“We received a lot of really useful ideas and feedback which was then fed back into this plan.

“There is strong community support for the library and complex to be redeveloped and its heritage features protected,” she added.

Mayor Gstrein said works proposed in the Theatre Royal Complex Master Plan were estimated at $12.6 million.

“Stage one is about building a business case, then we are looking at an estimated $2.6 million investment for stage two works, and we can start thinking about stage three after that.

“As they say, there are no guarantees, but this is the start of a journey and a fantastic opportunity to see the venue used to its full potential.

“We are up to the task and will continue to work through processes,” Cr Gstrein said.

Cr Laurie Hickey said he had been a user of the facility over a number years from the stage to the dance floor, basketball court, to the squash court and the office space.

“I feel this is an area that is very dear to me,” Cr Hickey said.

“It is an ambitious plan dependent on funding, but let’s aim high and see what we can make of this new hub that we can all be proud of and be able to use it to its fullest extent.”

The master plan can be found at www.corangamite.vic.gov.au/TheatreRoyalPlan