New amenities open at The Events Centre, Caloundra

Growing audiences at The Events Centre Caloundra have prompted a major upgrade to one of the venue's busiest facilities, with expanded public amenities officially opened today by Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli.

Funded by Sunshine Coast Council, the project increases toilet capacity by approximately 50 per cent through an innovative flexible design and layout, helping reduce queues and ensuring the centre can comfortably accommodate its growing number of visitors.

Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the investment reflected Council's commitment to supporting community infrastructure as The Events Centre, Caloundra as it continues to grow and attract more visitors from across the region and South East Queensland.

"The Events Centre is Sunshine Coast's premier performing arts venue, welcoming more and more visitors, year on year," Mayor Natoli said.

“People might not like to talk about toilets, they might not be the most glamorous part of a theatre, but they certainly are extremely important.

"As attendance at The Events Centre has grown, so too has the need for facilities that can keep pace with demand.

“Council is proud to have funded this important upgrade as part of our commitment to our community and the ongoing renewal of the Caloundra precinct."

The expansion comes as The Events Centre welcomes more than 110,000 patrons annually. The venue hosts a diverse program of live performances, including concerts, theatre, dance productions, comedy, family entertainment and national and international touring productions across its two performance spaces. It also welcomes a wide range of community and business events, including conferences, meetings, gala dinners, fundraisers and local celebrations.

Chief Executive Officer Bronwyn Edinger AM said, the upgrade was a practical response to the centre's continued growth and popularity.

"It's a wonderful problem to have when your audiences keep growing, but it does mean your facilities need to grow too," Ms Edinger said.

"These new amenities will make a real difference to the visitor experience, particularly during our busiest performances and major community events."

"The Events Centre has always been about bringing people together through the arts and community. Thanks to Sunshine Coast Council's investment, we're ensuring every part of that experience is more comfortable and accessible for our patrons."

The upgraded facilities arrive just in time for a packed program of events, including Bill Bailey, Guy Sebastian, Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase and Queensland Theatre Company’s Calamity Jane.

Construction commenced in May and was completed on schedule by Sunshine Coast company Nothling Building Group, with the official opening celebrated by theatre supporters, performers, community representatives and Council delegates.