The concept designs, shortlisted from an Expressions of Interest by competition process initiated by council in January this year, have been assessed by the Design Competition Assessment Panel, which will consider feedback from the community in making its recommendation to council on the final design for the new facility. 

Conceptual floor plans were provided to all entrants as a reference for design parameters.

The proposed development is to include a theatre, seating for around 500 people, a black box (which is a small utilitarian performance space), technical offices, support space and car parking. 

The Entertainment and Conference Centre was identified by the community as a priority project for the region, and included in council’s program of works approved for funding by a one year Special Rate Variation (SRV) granted by IPART for 2018-19. 

It will also be included in the application for the continuation of the SRV in 2019-20. 

The new facility is one of the signature projects for funding by the continuation of the SRV and deemed to be an essential factor in the development of Muswellbrook as a regional centre.

The architectural submissions will be on public exhibition until Thursday, November 8, at council’s Administration Centre and council libraries during business hours and also available on council’s website: www.muswelbrook.nsw.gov.au

All interested parties are encouraged and invited to inspect the exhibited designs and make written submissions to:

The General Manager

Muswellbrook Shire Council

PO Box 122

Muswellbrook NSW 2333

Or, by email to council@muswellbrook.nsw.gov.au

A telephone survey of residents will take place in the week beginning October 18 to provide feedback on the continuation of the SRV and the proposed projects.

Also, on public exhibition, until Wednesday, November 7, is the Draft Denman Tourist Park and Thermal Baths Masterplan. 

The Masterplan builds on existing recreation facilities in the park and identifies a range of accommodation types, recreation opportunities and landscape embellishment works.

A drop-in information session will take place at the Denman Indoor Sports Centre on Tuesday, October 23, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm.

Members of the public are encouraged and invited to inspect the exhibited documents and make written submissions, as above.

The Denman Tourist Park Thermal Pool Masterplan is available for download from council’s website.