The first step has been taken in the $21.8 million upgrade of Sutherland Entertainment Centre with architectural firms invited to tender for design services.
Sutherland Shire Council’s request for expressions of interest will be followed by short-listed firms invited to submit concept design plans.
“Council intends to redefine the SEC (Sutherland Entertainment Centre) as a cultural venue that goes beyond spectatorship to provide the community with accessible opportunities to appreciate and actively participate in the performing arts, irrespective of age, background or ability,” the advertisement reads.
The project was described as “a significant opportunity to transform an ageing building into an exciting, modern and versatile cultural facility”.
A council report released earlier this year estimated construction would start in November, 2021, and be completed in August, 2023.
Mayor Carmelo Pesce said the refurbishment was “about fulfilling council’s commitment to supporting a culturally rich and vibrant community”.
“It’s a significant project so we’ll be taking a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable approach to development and will be providing an opportunity for the community to offer their feedback on the design concepts in 2019,” he said.
The council will also undertake a refurbishment of the 1920s Memorial School of Arts at Sutherland.
The council’s third performance venue, Engadine Community Centre, will be used more often during the refurbishment of the other centres.
