Investing in Creative Cultural Futures

Emerald Arts Precinct Update 21 April 2021

In November 2018, council began exploring options to develop the Emerald Library, community gardens and surrounding buildings into a multipurpose arts precinct. The project aims include:  

• support local economy and artists
• grow arts, heritage and cultural tourism and appreciation
• provide access to arts, heritage and cultural activities and modern library services
• create a welcoming and inclusive safe space
• enhance community wellbeing and encourage diversity.

To include community in developing a concept, council sought ideas and feedback from local stakeholders, and conducted a survey in January – February 2019. The input received helped to inform a draft masterplan, which was tabled at a council meeting in December 2019. Due to logistical challenges identified in the planning process, further development of the masterplan has been deferred to February 2021.

Council reviewed the masterplan again in March 2021 and determined that the current location of the proposed redevelopment has significant limitations due to logistical considerations such as parking.

In future strategic planning for land use in the region, council will consider other locations for a multi-use Arts Precinct. This is a long-term plan and there are currently no clear timelines for any review or decision relating to the Arts Precinct

While the large-scale redevelopment is put on hold, council will consider a smaller scale ‘facelift’ to the current Arts Precinct space. Council will conduct further consultation with local art groups utilising the Arts Precinct to understand community need and suggest minor works to improve the utilisation and appearance of the space. The scoping of this work will occur in the 2021-22 financial year, with a plan to be proposed to council for implementation the following year.

For further information about this project, please contact Suzanne Poulter, Manager Connected Communities on 1300 242 686.