A new Mildura Arts Centre is one step closer to becoming a reality after the Brumby Labor Government announced it would invest $3 million into the significant community project.
In Mildura today, the Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad said the Mildura Arts Centre would create 117 jobs during construction and cost a total of $8.2 million.
“This will provide a world-class arts venue to help secure the lifestyles of Victorians in one of the fastest growing regional centres in Australia,” Ms Broad said.
“We understand how important the arts are to the liveability and attraction of our major regional centres and this new arts centre mean Mildura can stage major arts and cultural events which will attract even more visitors to this stunning part of Victoria.
“The new centre will seat 450 people, share a foyer space with the Mildura Art Gallery, and provide regional theatregoers with one of the best facilities outside the capital cities.
“Our Government is delighted to support the Mildura Rural City Council on this great initiative.”
Ms Broad said the new arts centre would increase patronage to the site which is currently occupied by Mildura’s existing theatre.
“We expect the new centre will attract top notch touring companies and put Mildura on the arts map,” she said.
Project details include:
- Creation of a new performing arts centre on the site of the existing theatre space with up to 450 seats;
- A major upgrade to back of house areas including loading, storage, administration and access areas and upgrade of air-conditioning;
- Additional car parking and external works; and
- A new foyer space including new connections between the theatre and the adjacent art gallery.
Ms Broad said the Brumby Labor Government had allocated $30 million from the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) towards building arts and cultural facilities to support regional arts infrastructure.
“Cultural facilities such as the Mildura Arts Centre help to secure regional and rural Victorians lifestyles by enhancing by bringing the community together and delivering benefits economical, employment and cultural benefits,” she said.
Ms Broad said RIDF has so far contributed over $1 billion worth of new infrastructure to regional and rural Victoria.