Description – GLEN STREET THEATRE RENOVATIONS
Location of Project – BELROSE
Year Project Commenced – 2011
MHDP created an impactful but cost-effective design. This was managed with QS control to achieve for Warringah Council a Government tender for the works. It was signed up on budget and was exceptionally well received in Community consultation.
MHDP was initially engaged by the Theatre Management and Warringah Council to review the potential of the Theatre and its site, as Council was considering relocating the facility.
MHDP developed a Master Plan for the entire Belrose Precinct, which at the time had become neglected and degraded. The Master Plan developed the idea of a Cultural Hub. The project would be funded by selling off the existing Library land and combining the Library and Theatre into one complex.
Council enthusiastically embraced the proposal and MHDP undertook Community consultation which was also well received. This was followed by design and documentation of the first stage identified in the Master Plan to redevelop the forecourt, entry foyer and Theatre facilities. The result was an urban gathering space and reinvigorated Theatre Foyer and Event space.
The re-orientating and upgrading of catering facilities resulted in a four fold increase in turnover at Theatre events.
Following the success of Stage 1, MHDP prepared concepts for a new Library incorporating a Café relating to the central courtyard gathering area and Lobby. Council proceeded with another firm and the Library was constructed as an independent element with no Café.
Despite this lack of vision by Council the Town Centre and Cultural Hub envisaged in the original Master Plan has proved a great success in re-invigorating the Suburb.
TESTIMONIAL
Glen Street is the grande dame of Sydney’s suburban theatres but, after 27 years, [the theatre] was in need of an overhaul. This is more than a renovation – we’re adding a state-of-the-art library, a café and a winebar to create a new centre for the arts on the Northern Beaches.
This is an incredibly exciting development that will create an active cultural space that is unique in Sydney. Our theatrical and musical productions will stay but we expect people visit more often and stay longer – whether it is to sit in the café, use the free Wi-Fi or to read magazines from the library.
The bush setting will also be enhanced thanks to new landscaping which will allow us to stage more outdoor events.
GLEN STREET DIRECTOR, MARGOT WOODWARD
AND WARRINGAH MAYOR, MICHAEL REGAN
