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


Table 3.3: 2015/16 The J Assets ($M)
 Asset Class                  CRC          WDV
 Land                        $5.649      $5.649
 Buildings                   $6.707      $6.135
 Other Infrastructure        $2.538      $1.959
 P&E General                 $0.839      $0.775
 Intangibles                 $0.006      $0.004
 Total                      $15.739     $14.521
Source: NSC (2016c).


3.4          REVENUE STREAMS
Council’s schedule of fees and charges indicates that The J offers facility hire by the hour, with considerable
discounts available to community (not-for-profit) groups.

Table 3.4: The J Hourly Hire Fees, 2016/17
 Space                           Commercial         Community
 Lounge/Upper Foyer)                   $42.50            $24.50
                                                  (42% discount)
 Deck/Board Meeting Rooms              $40.50            $20.50
                                                  (49% discount)
 Theatre                              $152.50            $58.50
                                                  (62% discount)
Source: NSC (2016b), AEC.

The J also offers package arrangements inclusive of staffing and sound/lighting. For example, a generic 4-hour
theatre/auditorium hire package may total $1,660, including $610 in venue hire (per the above fees), $220 for a
duty manager, $260 for an audio tech, $260 for a lighting tech (if required) and $310 for sound/lighting package.

In addition, The J may enter into commercial arrangements for comedy/theatre/music shows based on either
offering a fixed fee to performers for their services and recouping these costs via the receipt of all ticket and show
revenues, or an agreed share of ticket revenues.

Currently, hirers largely fall into the not-for-profit category, including schools, community-based theatre groups,
churches, community associations, etc. Commercial hirers are limited to promoters who book the venue for a live
show and businesses who book the venue for a conference, meeting or exhibition. However, less than 10% of
revenue is at the full commercial hire rate.

Council indicates that around 70% of the hours booked are for meetings and workshops (including church session),
with performances (including youth activities) accounting for 20% of the hours booked. Events initiated by The J
represent a very small component of activity at the venue.

Council indicates that outside of major events like the Noosa Long Weekend, those attending The J for
performances and events are generally located within a 30-minute radius of the venue reflecting its role as a district
venue rather than a regional venue.


3.5          STAFFING
Council indicates that there are 4.7 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff at The J, with 3 permanent staff and 1.7 FTE
representing a range of casuals that are utilised throughout the year.


3.6          STRATEGIC PLANNING

3.6.1        The J Service Review 2015
Council undertook a service review of The J, released in January 2015 that included 12 recommended actions.
Some of the recommendations are focused on investigated additional revenue opportunities, gaining a better
understanding on event profitability and potential cost effective expansion of the existing facility. One expansion
concept by Levesque & Derrick Architects Pty Ltd in association with Peter Roy included increasing theatre seating



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