The Sutherland Shire Council has engaged two leading architecture firms to work with Council to design and refurbish the Sutherland Entertainment Centre.
For more than 40 years locals and visitors have gathered at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre to view and engage in a variety of performances and events. The refurbishment project aims to transform the ageing building into an exciting, modern and versatile cultural facility that will sustain for many more generations to enjoy.
Three concepts were shortlisted for the design of the new centre, and the decision to appoint the collaboration of CHROFI & NBRS ARCHITECTURE was made after a period of community consultation that included an online survey, an exhibition of concepts, advertising and social media engagement that attracted over 400 submissions.
Sutherland Shire Mayor Councillor Carmelo Pesce said CHROFI & NBRS ARCHITECTURE put forward an impressive proposal and the community responded positively to the key elements of their design.
“We want to ensure this major refurbishment creates an Entertainment Centre that best meets the needs of our community,” Mayor Pesce said
Along with a technical and cost assessment, the results of the consultation helped contribute to an overall review of each concept and the appointment of the chosen architect for the project.
Director of NBRS ARCHITECTURE James Ward said CHROFI & NBRS ARCHITECTURE and the consultant team are excited and proud to be partnering with Sutherland Shire Council and the broader community for the transformation of the Sutherland Entertainment Centre into a 21st Century performing arts and cultural venue.
Director of CHROFI, Steven Fighera, also added a key aspect of the proposal was to improve the interconnectedness between the Entertainment Centre and Peace Park.
“…by including a north facing veranda and versatile foyer space, that will evoke a relationship where the building and park will begin to feel very much a part of each other, and become a catalyst for community activation and cultural engagement.”
Construction on the building is expected to commence in 2020 and be complete by 2022.