The Surf Coast Shire Council in Victoria’s west has approved concept plans and business case for development of a “four-in-one” cultural centre.
The proposed Surf Coast Cultural Center will be located at 77 Beach Road in Torquay. The council owned site is currently home to Surf Coast Art Space, Torquay Visitor Information Center and Australian National Surfing Museum with the Torquay Library in a neighbor building.
The new building will accommodate all four community facilities in one, which will be developed over two stages.
The concept design for the project has been produced by Williams Ross Architects. A spokesperson for the council said the appointment of an architect for the detailed design phase is subject to a future tender process.
Concept design design for Surf Coast Cultural Center by Williams Ross Architects.
Stage one of the project will consist of new building that will house an expansion of Australian National Surfing Museum, Torquay Library and Torquay Visitor Information Centre, which will adjoin the existing arts space. In the second stage, the arts space will be redeveloped into a Multi Arts Center with a 250-seat theater, gallery, artist-in-residence studio and backstage areas for performers.
The design of the building will incorporate elements that reflect the Wadawurrung Aboriginal cultural, visual, environmental heritage.
“Many members of the arts community, surf industry and users of the current buildings shared with us what they think are the needs for this facility and this has very much informed the concept design we have now,” said Surf Coast mayor Libby Stapleton.
“We will continue to seek their advice as we progress to detailed stages of planning and design.
“We are particularly excited by the prospect of creating a purpose-built space enabling us to better display the 12,000 items from our Australian National Surfing Museum. Our collection is recognised as being of national and international significance and illustrates such a vivid and important part of our story on the Surf Coast.”
The council has committed $8.06 million for the first stage and is seeking an additional $28.8 million through state and federal grants and philanthropic contributions.
Stage one of the project is anticipated to be delivered in 2024 while stage two is anticipated for 2030.