Arts groups from the Eurobodalla have combined forces to have their voices heard on the future of the former Batemans Bay Bowling Club site.
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If taken on by the private sector, we might be confined to some small part of the new facility
The groups gathered on the prime Princes Highway site, which Eurobodalla Shire Council has recently purchased.
The shire is seeking expressions of interest from the private sector and the community on its future uses.
On Monday, representatives of 13 organisations gathered at the site to stake a claim for the arts to be included in any plans – including using the building just as it is.
The 13 included the Batemans Bay Performance & Exhibition Centre Working Group (PerfEx), Batemans Bay Arts and Crafts Society, South Coast Music Society, South Coast Pastel Society, U3A, Batemans Bay Writers Festival, The Old Courthouse Museum, Eurobodalla Woodworking Guild, Eurobodalla Fibre and Textile Artists’ Group, Granite Town Festival, Larks after D’Arc, Bay City Cinema and the Batemans Bay Aquatic Centre.
A spokeswoman for the group said they were delighted that, after years of campaigning, the shire had purchased the building, with its existing auditorium and gallery space.
“We could have the first dedicated community arts’ space in Batemans Bay for nearly 50 years,” she said.
She said the existing building was not built for the arts, but many cultural groups “would love to use the space for performances, events, exhibitions, workshop and meeting rooms”.
She said using the building made sense “until such time as the new building, planned for in the master plan, is constructed”.
“It would mean the current site does not lie empty for years to come,” she said.
“Independent advice has shown that with minimal cost, the building could be re-opened. Builders have offered assistance.”
The spokeswoman was heartened that arts and culture were earmarked as suggested uses on the new plan, but said government backing was essential.
“Arts and culture are difficult to turn a profit on … why would an outside interest want to fund us?
“The council is abrogating its responsibility.
“If taken on by the private sector, we might be confined to some small part of the new facility.”
Pictured above are:
Back Row L-R
Bob Kolderie, David John, Heidi Weber, Dave Harding, Sheryl Miller, Lyn Woolridge, Charles Stuart, Doug Williams, Danielle Williams, Jennie Hapgood, Mel Griffiths, Jean Baker, Margaret McClintock, Wayne Churchill.
Front row L-R
Carolyn Sinclair, Judy Lawler, Lesley Sowell, Primi Thompson, Marilla Lenne, John Allen, Margaret Allen, Margaret Ainscow, Kerry Devine, Jeannie Brewer, Sue Mackenzie, Veronica de Raadt, Julie Stuart, Glenda Churchill, Chris Ruszala, Marion Roubos-Bennett, Jan Harding.
