The City of Greater Geelong has released a $34.5 million plan for the redevelopment of the Bellarine Arts Centre, colloquially known as the Potato Shed.
The Bellarine Arts Centre Master Plan includes a redeveloped front of house, expanded and upgraded theatre space, improved amenities for performers, a dedicated education space, an outdoor amphitheatre, kitchen, public deck and upgraded entry way.
Delivery of the redevelopment, which is not yet funded, is planned in two stages, with the major upgrades to performance spaces during the first stage and the education and community rooms during stage two.
Councillor Rowan Story said the much-loved venue had become a “victim of its own success”, with user demand far exceeding the Potato Shed’s current capabilities.
“Proposals in 2010, 2016 (and) 2017 consistently found that the venue didn’t meet contemporary cultural venue standards and was under equipped,” Cr Story said.
“The City of Greater Geelong committed in 2022-23 to develop a comprehensive business case and tonight we’re at the end of that process.
“This (plan) will deliver a future-ready performing arts centre for the Bellarine region with key features including a new, large capacity theatre to support more performances and larger audiences.
“This is critical because the area has been identified by touring companies as a place they would like to come to, but they need a certain number for viability.”
Cr Story said no council funding was currently being sought, with the priority on securing state and federal government investment.
The project is anticipated to create up to 55 new jobs and bring 90 cents into the local economy for every dollar spent, with one third of the venue’s visitors coming from outside the region.
Councillor Elise Wilkinson said the project would benefit the local community in more ways than just economically.
“It’s anticipated that this is going to enable local schools, local organisations, to be able to celebrate awards evenings… in their own backyard, instead of having to come into Geelong,” she said.
“It’s a very exciting project. The architecture itself… really maximises the space and accessibility so that the venue isn’t a standalone, in isolation.
“It’s an incredible expansion to our already thriving cultural precinct here in the (Geelong) CBD.”
