Resources
| wonthaggi_creative_arts_and_cultural_precinct_ii.pdf |
Wonthaggi Creative Arts and Cultural Precinct
Proposal to Bass Coast Council 2021
Download Full Report Above as a PDF
This detailed proposal for a thriving cultural precinct on the site of the former Wonthaggi Secondary College site in the heart of town was developed by members of Council's Arts & Cultural Advisory Committee in 2021. It was formally presented to Bass Coast Council later that year.
The report demonstrates the demand, the drivers, advantages and opportunities to be gained for Bass Coast through the creation of diverse and active cultural spaces, integrated into a dynamic civic and community precinct.
Opportunities and Benefits
We envisage a vibrant cultural town precinct that could include a Regional Gallery - showcasing Council's Robert Smith Bequest collection along with work by local, regional and touring artists - and a host of active making spaces: working art studios, performance, rehearsal, making and recording spaces, a high profile arts company tenancy, a home for our local radio station, outdoor spaces and stages and public places connecting with cafes and eateries - providing a creative gathering place for people of all ages to come together. This would also be an ideal site to locate a purpose built library for Wonthaggi.
Drawing on historical business cases and current strategic plans, this paper identifies economic, cultural and social benefits stemming from the development of new cultural infrastructure. It argues that a cultural precinct will provide a much-needed boost to Wonthaggi’s identity, and to its economy.
Summary
A Wonthaggi Creative Arts and Cultural Precinct will be bold, differentiated, destinational and defining, creating a regional creative hub that contributes to Bass Coast as a desirable place to live, work, visit and create. We commend it to council and recommend an open symposium on the arts in the Bass Coast region, with community and expert panel participation. We also call for Federal, State and Local government participants to come together for the development of a Masterplan for this worthy project for the entire region
Proposal to Bass Coast Council 2021
Download Full Report Above as a PDF
This detailed proposal for a thriving cultural precinct on the site of the former Wonthaggi Secondary College site in the heart of town was developed by members of Council's Arts & Cultural Advisory Committee in 2021. It was formally presented to Bass Coast Council later that year.
The report demonstrates the demand, the drivers, advantages and opportunities to be gained for Bass Coast through the creation of diverse and active cultural spaces, integrated into a dynamic civic and community precinct.
Opportunities and Benefits
We envisage a vibrant cultural town precinct that could include a Regional Gallery - showcasing Council's Robert Smith Bequest collection along with work by local, regional and touring artists - and a host of active making spaces: working art studios, performance, rehearsal, making and recording spaces, a high profile arts company tenancy, a home for our local radio station, outdoor spaces and stages and public places connecting with cafes and eateries - providing a creative gathering place for people of all ages to come together. This would also be an ideal site to locate a purpose built library for Wonthaggi.
Drawing on historical business cases and current strategic plans, this paper identifies economic, cultural and social benefits stemming from the development of new cultural infrastructure. It argues that a cultural precinct will provide a much-needed boost to Wonthaggi’s identity, and to its economy.
Summary
A Wonthaggi Creative Arts and Cultural Precinct will be bold, differentiated, destinational and defining, creating a regional creative hub that contributes to Bass Coast as a desirable place to live, work, visit and create. We commend it to council and recommend an open symposium on the arts in the Bass Coast region, with community and expert panel participation. We also call for Federal, State and Local government participants to come together for the development of a Masterplan for this worthy project for the entire region
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Video of the school site today
Taken by a former student in late 2024, it clearly shows the good condition of many spaces still today. Credit and thanks to Urbex Gecko for creating this video. www.youtube.com/@urbexgecko |
