Belconnen Arts Centre

BELCONNEN ARTS CENTRE

The Belconnen Arts Centre is a landmark project for the arts in Canberra and for the people of Belconnen in particular. The inspiring sculptural design of the Centre, by WIlliams Ross Architects, will be a striking addition to the lakeshore and the Belconnen Town Centre.

The ACT Government allocated $9 million in the 2007-08 Budget to complete design and construction of Stage One of the centre. The centre is located in the heart of the Town Centre on the Lake Ginninderra lakeshore, near the junction of Benjamin Way and Emu Bank. Construction Photos

The Belconnen Arts Centre is being constructed in two stages in keeping with the recommendations of a study into the arts facility needs of the Belconnen community. 

Stage One will include the following:
• Visual arts gallery
• Outdoor sculpture gallery
• Dance studio/rehearsal room and change rooms
• Wet/dry creative workshops
• Large foyer
• Community meeting room
• Arts Lounge
• Studio/office areas for artists and arts organisations
• Café/kiosk
• Reception and administrative area

Improvements to the existing Belconnen Theatre at the Belconnen Community Centre will also take place during the construction of the centre.

Project Co-ordination (Australia) Pty Ltd will construct Stage One of the Belconnen Arts Centre. Work on the Centre commenced in July 2008 and is due for completion in mid 2009.

The Centre has been developed with input by local Belconnen people through a program of consultation in 2004 and subsequently through the input of two specially-established advisory groups which include representation from local arts and community stakeholders.

The current advisory group is working with ACT Government to shape the fit-out of the centre and advise on the establishment of an organisation to run the centre.

Members of the advisory group are:
• Ms Roberta McRae, President, Belconnen Community Services Board
• Ms Shirley Gourgaud, President, Belconnen Community Council
• Ms Anita McIntyre, Chair, Strathnairn Arts Association
• Ms Nicole Porter, Faculty of Art and Design, University of Canberra
• Mr Neil Roach, Acting Director, Ausdance ACT
• Ms Noonee Doronila, Member, ACT Cultural Council
• Ms Evol McLeod (advisory member) Director, Tuggeranong Arts Centre

Stage Two will see the construction of a major performing arts theatre, additional studios, classrooms and administrative spaces, and a restaurant.

Have your say and get involved - We welcome your contribution.  If you would like to become involved or be added to the mailing list to receive updates, please contact the Belconnen Arts Centre Development Manager, artsACT, Chief Minister's Department on belconnenartscentre@act.gov.au or 6205 2657.   

 Stage One Belconnen Arts Centre - Artist's Impression - (c) Williams Ross Architects 2008