Dear Beagle Editor, Your readers might be interested in an update on the Regional Aquatic and Arts facility project.
I have been informed that members of the Sunset Committee have been advised that
The grant application to the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (for $10m) has been submitted.
Council has appointed a staff member to prepare a consultant brief and tender documents for the detailed design of the facility.
The brief will include a list of principles to guide the detailed design of the facility. The Sunset Committee were informed that design principles are statements of desired outcomes, to guide the design process. They are usually written as general statements rather than specific requirements, so as to not overly restrict the creative process of design.
Council also told the Committee members that it will welcome their input into the development of these design principles indicating that the principles would address the following:
The siting of the facility – eg. visual presence, legible entrances, connections and relationship to surrounding land uses, opportunity to expand facility in future
The architectural design – eg. create a landmark building, reflect character of Batemans Bay, incorporate elements of public art
The internal layout – eg. flexible spaces, shared spaces, welcoming, comfortable, fit for purpose (i.e. acoustics, air conditioning, etc)
The external layout – eg. landscaping, parking areas, shade, safety
Other matters – eg. financial sustainability, ecologically sustainable development
The Committee was given till the 19th January 2018 to discuss with members of their respective groups and offer their input assist in the development of the brief and tender documents. It is understood that not all members of the Sunset Committee are convinced of the need or viability for an auditorium which seats more than 500 people and some would like to see an iconic building which immediately says that this is an Arts Centre through its design and positioning on the site and not an add on to an aquatic centre.
At their meeting before Christmas, Committee members were asked to give some thought to two matters over the Christmas break:
Interest in visiting existing aquatic and arts centres, and which ones to visit
Ideas for engaging with the community during the next phase of the project (to assist in development of an engagement plan) using Council’s Engagement Framework. I hope this brings your readers who are interested in this project up to date. Name and address supplied
