The Beagle Editor,
The MacKay Park Arts/Aquatic Centre is at last on its way. We have half the money already with the other half pending, dependent on whether our grant application passes all stages of the grants process, but we have moved onto the next stage and indications are good.
Last week there were two days of ‘meet-the- Architects’ and focus groups. Already there has been in-depth input to the council, and now to the architects.
Soon we shall see how that input is being taken into account and how it will engage the community.
I do not envy them their job as they have so many complex parameters to meet, but they have a solid history of community builds and a willingness, on the part of the community reps at least, to make the most of the possibilities.
The measure of that will be in the three mud-map plans that are to be shown to the public at the end of the year, from which Council will make its final choice. There will be a chance to give your comments then, so keep an eye out.
This could be a remarkable building and centre that could focus the Bay and really widen our opportunities to huge creative and community possibilities (our own “Vivid”?), involve our youth and bring the Sculpture on the Clyde back to the Bay.
The architects seem keen and open, and the Council is committed. We have half the money already with the other half pending, dependent on whether our grant application passes all stages of the grants process, but we have moved onto the next stage and indications are good.
It’s been a tough road so far and there is still much to iron out, but this could be both a landmark, something to involve the community in so many ways and something to give us so many possibilities.
"Let’s go for it.”
Dr Susan Mackenzie President PerfEx Performance Exhibitions Lobby Group Batemans Bay
