The next important step in the greatly anticipated Latrobe Creative Precinct has occurred with excavation works commencing on site this week. This step marks visible progress on the project, which will change the creative arts landscape of Gippsland forever. The Latrobe Creative Precinct will continue to deliver significant benefit for current and future generations.
The Latrobe Creative Precinct complements all the major developments across the municipality and confirms Latrobe City as Gippsland’s regional city. When operational the Latrobe Creative Precinct along with the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre, new major recreation infrastructure, major upgrades to Latrobe Regional Hospital and the Gippsland High Tech Precinct, will all contribute in making Latrobe City one of the most liveable regional centres in the entire state.
Gippsland based builder Becon Constructions are excited to help deliver a memorable construction project locally, are in charge of the construction. The new project will be completed in the second half of 2021. During construction there will be 80 jobs that will be sourced with the majority from local contractors. Future operations of the new Precinct will require up to 20 ongoing positions.
The new precinct will include the following:
- A 750 seat theatre within a new performing arts centre;
- Multipurpose/Meeting rooms;
- 72 Underground carpark spaces;
- An indoor/outdoor café; and
- Two open air event spaces, one in the style of an amphitheatre
Once completed, the community will be able to see live performances in the new theatre with excellent facilities, utilise the new performance and meeting spaces, and attend outdoor events in the precinct’s external event spaces.
The project has been funded through collaboration between the Federal and State Governments, and Latrobe City Council. The total project cost is $38.5 million. Latrobe City Council’s investment will enable the Latrobe Creative Precinct to be another key economic driver to the region and enable the precinct to be another major community asset.
The state and federal governments are each contributing $10 million and the remaining funding is provided by Council.
Council recognises that the project has taken longer to commence than many would have hoped, however ensuring that all of the community’s needs and expectations are met as well as delivering a financially sustainable project has taken time.
“As Gippsland’s only regional City this project will confirm our presence in the arts community as a hub for cultural activity, driving visitation to the region and returning economic benefit for generations to come”
“The project has taken some time to commence, however the community’s interest and support for the Creative Precinct has remained steadfast throughout. The visual representation of progress is pleasing for our community to see as the work up until now has been in the planning and preparation phases”
– Mayor Cr Graeme Middlemiss
