Planning begins for Coast’s entertainment and exhibition centre

Planning for a new entertainment and exhibition centre for the Sunshine Coast is set to proceed under the guidance of a Queensland management consortium. The project is supported by $1M funding from the Australian Government, with a $400,000 in-kind commitment from council.

Major Projects Portfolio councillor and Sunshine Coast Entertainment and Exhibition Centre Reference Group chairperson, Cr Debbie Blumel, today announced Ranbury Management Group as the successful tenderer to carry out a feasibility study and business planning for the multi-function facility planned for Maroochydore.

Cr Blumel said that Ranbury is leading a team of experienced consultants for the project including Pegasus Venue Management, AECGroup, Cox Rayner and Xponential. Ranbury was selected due to their demonstrated superior expertise, skills mix, depth of knowledge and experience as well as sound local knowledge.

“Ranbury has put together a consortia of companies with sound experience in planning, operating and managing arts and entertainment venues across Australia as well as internationally. Their financial and economic modelling team also demonstrated experience with the performing arts sector," Cr Blumel said.

“This centre will be the Coast’s pre-eminent multi-function cultural centre. It will provide spaces that are able to cater for larger events than those currently being attracted to the region, thereby avoiding duplication of existing venue capacity.

“This centre will enable our regional entertainment, convention and tourism industries to further develop and flourish into the future. I have no doubt this facility will activate and stimulate the redevelopment of the Maroochydore following successful completion of the current structure plan process.

“Work commenced this week starting with a review of the scope of the project based on previously undertaken feasibility studies, and the potential impact on existing venues and the need for the facility.

“The scope of the project includes site analysis, financial modelling, funding procurement, technical studies and design, and development of a Green Plan to guide environmentally sustainable design and development outcomes.

“The feasibility study also will assess the economic benefit for the region, employment opportunities during construction and running of the venue; together with new training opportunities for young people on the Coast.”

The public will have the opportunity to comment on the functionality of the proposed facility through further public consultation and community engagement taking place over the next 12 months.