2016 08 09 - S&O Agenda - Item 8, Att 2 - AEC Noosa Convention & Performing Arts Centre Pre-feasibility Review

PRE-FEASIBILITY OF CONVENTION AND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRES



2.          CCIQ PROPOSAL AND COMMENTARY
2.1         THE PROPOSAL
CCIQ Noosa has requested Council to commission a comprehensive feasibility study into the location, construction
and operation of two iconic world class facilities, being:

     A dedicated Convention Centre able to cater for 300-650 delegates, with 600 banquet style seating capacity
      and 1,000 theatre style seating capacity. Current Noosa Meetings Incentives Conference and Exhibition
      (MICE) capacity is capped at around 250 delegates in theatre-style seating (three venues) and no venue can
      cater for a sit-down function in excess of 220 delegates.

     A separate (adjacent) Performing Arts Centre with at least 700 seating capacity. Beyond its capacity, additional
      limitations of The J as a performing arts centre were identified as including a small stage that does not have a
      sprung floor, insufficient height, limited seating and challenging acoustics. Noosa Federation of the Arts Inc.
      indicated in its letter of support that local space is needed that has the acoustics required for music
      performances (i.e. instrumental and voice recitals, orchestral works, opera, musical theatre), has a stage to
      accommodate such performances in addition to ballet, and has a green room and dressing room facilities.
      Without these aspects, performances and audiences will travel to other larger venues in Brisbane and other
      surrounding regions.

It is envisaged that the two centres would operate independently but cooperatively. CCIQ Noosa indicates that its
proposal aligns with the creation of a business and culture model similar to the leadership centres in Banff, Canada
and Carmel and Aspen, USA. It is proposed that a new entity – Events Noosa – should be formed to manage the
flow of events into the facility, in addition to maintaining customer relationships pre and post event. A Speakers
Bureau could also be created.

Regarding estimated costs, CCIQ Noosa indicate that the construction and fit-out of an entry level convention and
exhibition centre could be in the $15 million to $20 million range, while upgrading The J to a modern performing
arts complex would be of the order of $7 million to $10 million. It is proposed that $30 million should be sufficient
for all components of the development.

CCIQ Noosa proposes the following timeline for project assessment and delivery.

Figure 2.1: Project Timeline

              Pre-Feasibility               Feasibility
                  Study                      Review                   Business
              Submission to                Presented to              Case, Final                  Provider                  Construction
                 Council                     Council                                              Selected                   Completed
                                                                       Design
               Apr 2016                       Feb 2017               Apr 2016                     Oct 2018                   Jan 2020

                                Jul 2016                  Apr 2017                 Jun 2018                   Jan 2019

                                Feasibility               Council                   Tender for               Construction
                                 Review                   Decision                 Construction              Commence
                                                                                     Works


CCIQ developed the concept based on:

     Broad and extensive consultation with representatives of the MICE, tourism and performing arts sectors, which
      started in May 2015.

     Inspections of, and expert briefings by, four established convention centres (locations not specifically
      identified).

Letters of support were provided to CCIQ Noosa in support of the undertaking of a feasibility study from Sofitel
Noosa Pacific Resort (formerly Sheraton Noosa Resort and Spa), Peppers Noosa Resort and Spa, RACV Noosa
Resort, Noosa Long Weekend Festival and Noosa Federation of the Arts Inc.




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