Sutherland Memorial School of Arts may undergo $1.76M upgrade for centenary

The council has agreed to support, “at this time”, a major refurbishment of Sutherland Memorial School of Arts.

Proposed works include upgrading the toilets and fire safety to comply with the building code, improving lighting, installing a new roof and air conditioning, modifying the facade and new external paving.

 A heritage conservation management plan will be prepared and user groups and the wider community consulted.

The council decided to fund the works from payments made by Lucas Heights waste centre operator SUEZ, although a staff report warned this was “a finite source”.

It is intended the upgrade be completed before work begins on a $21 million refurbishment of Sutherland Entertainment Centre, enabling the transfer of some productions and other events.

A council report said the primary use of the theatre was by the Sutherland Theatre Company, Miranda Musical Society and Engadine Musical Society.

Sutherland Shire Historical Society occupies two rooms at the front, and the renovation would enable this to continue.

The report said the building, in East Parade, opposite the train station, was built as a war memorial hall, dedicated to the 97 men (seven of whom lost their lives) from Sutherland Township, as it was then known, who volunteered to serve in WW1.

“The hall housed a library and billiard room with dances held four times a week,” the report said.

“Flourishing from the 1930s to the 1950s, the building was in disrepair by the late 1960s and came under council’s control during the 1970s as trustees expired, and was later transferred to council ownership in the early 1990s. 

“During the 1980s, significant renovation work was carried out on the building by council, both as part of an overall plan to upgrade community halls and to accommodate local theatre groups with around 200 seats and an entry foyer.”