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


2.2             LOCATION
The preferred site for the new centres is identified as the site currently housing The J (subject to a range of identified
issues being resolved), although other location options may be identified during the 2016 Planning Scheme Review.

Key proximity considerations for site selection (preferably within walking distance) were identified as:

       Principal accommodation.

       Central attractions.

       High quality retail.

       Parking.

       Ancillary services.

Regarding The J, the CCIQ Noosa proposal (p.5) indicates that:
              No presumptive assumptions around disposition of the current ‘J’ buildings should be assumed. Expert advice as to
              how the current asset might be functionally preserved and integrated into a wider development is essential.

Further, the CCIQ Noosa proposal (p.10) indicates the following:

              Retain the ability of The J to operate stand-alone; while at the same time, allowing for its inclusion as a significant
              additional space as part of a larger, site-wide conference1.


2.3             DEMAND
Commentary on potential demand is focussed on the Convention Centre, noting that the centre would be targeted
at the mid-level MICE segment catering for the 350-450 delegate range. The following potential national markets
were suggested based on 10% of the total national market2 fitting the profile of the market segment being targeted
by the proposed facility:

       1,800 in-house organised event opportunities.

       500 professionally staged event opportunities.

       500 international global events.

It was suggested that despite the proposed 4,500-seat Sunshine Coast Entertainment, Convention and Exhibition
Centre in Maroochydore, the focus on the mid-level segment should help to reduce competitive bidding between
each facility.

From the above market, the CCIQ proposal (p.6) suggests that the Convention Centre could attract two
conferences per week for 30 weeks of the year, with up to 450 delegates per conference.

However, the proposal acknowledges that targeted market research is required into:

       The national offer/marketplace.

       Price points and willingness to pay.

       Desired features for delegates and partners.

       Travel requirements.

It was indicated that two important performance arts spaces to reference as guides for the proposed Performing
Arts Centre are Mandurah Performing Arts Centre in WA and Ashburton Trust Events Centre in Ashburton NZ.




1
    It is likely that “venue” or “location” was missing from the end of this sentence.

2 The proposal indicates that IACVB and AACVB figures for global events suggest 18,000 in-house organised events nationally, 500 professionally

staged events nationally, and 15,000 international events of which 30% tour globally.




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