Discover your Cairns Performing Arts Centre

DISCOVER THE

CAIRNS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

CAIRNS PERFORMING

ARTS CENTRE

THE PRECINCT

THE

CAIRNS PERFORMING

MUNRO MARTIN

ARTS CENTRE PARKLANDS The Precinct is a $65 million project that will deliver a new purpose-built performing arts centre, complemented by tropical parklands with an outdoor performance space.

The project involves the construction of the Cairns Performing

has been able to make significant time and cost savings. Council

Arts Centre (CPAC) on the site of the existing Cairns Civic

also drew upon significant community consultation undertaken

Theatre, and, to create a unique and attractive new precinct,

for previous proposals, and has engaged with users of the

Munro Martin Park will be developed into attractive parklands

theatre on the new CPAC proposal to ensure the facility will

with an outdoor performance space (Munro Martin Parklands).

accommodate the needs of the performing arts sector, whether

The Precinct will deliver a striking entry statement to our city and provide a dedicated performing arts venue that will meet

local, national or international.

The community has also had the opportunity to provide

the needs of the Cairns community for the next 50 years. The

feedback on the initial concept for The Precinct via

project will be funded from Council’s capital works budget over

Council’s website, through a dedicated email address, and

the next three years but Council will continue to work with State

at the Cairns Show.

and Federal Governments with a view to entering into a funding

Council now presents more detail and imagery on the new

partnership for the project. If funds are forthcoming, Council will

Cairns Performing Arts Centre for public comment. When the

be able to redirect some of its funding allocation to other works.

Material Change of Use Application is lodged, a statutory period

By re-using consultancy and expert advice commissioned for previous proposals for a new performing arts facility, Council

of consultation will commence during which official submissions can be lodged with Council.

CAIRNS PERFORMING

ARTS CENTRE

By ea r ly 201 8, Ca ir n s will h a ve a p u r p ose-bui l t, state-of-the-art, regi onal performi ng arts centre. More than tripl e t h e s iz e in f lo o r a rea o f t h e ex isti ng C ai r ns C i vi c Theatre, the C ai r ns Performi ng Arts C entre (C PAC ) will a d d res s t h e s h o r t f a lls o f t h e ex is t ing fac i l i ty and provi de a greatl y enhanced audi enc e experi enc e, as well a s b a c k - o f - h o u s e t ec h n ic a l c o mp onents expected of a moder n performance space. As wel l as the 940seat ma in a u d it o r iu m, CPAC will in c lu de a 400-seat studi o theatre. Added to thi s i s an outdoor performanc e spac e wit h ro o m f o r mo re t h a n 2500 p eopl e (seated), j ust across F l orenc e Street i n the redevel oped Munro Mart in Pa r k la n d s . Th is c o mb in a t io n o f better fac i l i ti es, i ncreased audi enc e c apac i ty and technol ogy to share exp er ien c es a c ro s s t h e t h ree ven u es , wi l l ensure C ai r ns can attract the very best i n terms of touri ng shows while p rov id in g a p la t f o r m f o r o u r h o me-grown performers to showcase and hone thei r sk i l l s

FORM AND FUNCTION

C

airns has simply outgrown the 40-year-old Cairns Civic Theatre. Over the past four decades, our population has more than trebled and

the technology behind modern performances has evolved dramatically.

Council, therefore, set out to create a performing arts centre that will meet the needs of our city for the next 50 years.In doing so, Council has drawn on feedback from previous projects and complemented this data through workshops with the Civic Theatre’s key users, such as the Cairns Choral Society, junior and senior eisteddfods, Cairns Brass Band, and local schools and dance academies, and comments from state, national and international touring groups. Through this process, Council has been able to set the key functional requirements of the Cairns Performing Arts Centre – everything from the number of seats to the size of the green room – which have, in turn, formed the basis of the layout of the building.

NEW VERSUS OLD THE CAIRNS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE WILL DELIVER MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS FOR AUDIENCE MEMBERS AND PERFORMERS ALIKE.

PERFORMERS

AUDIENCE

Working with input from the key users of the Civic Theatre, Council has been

The combination of stalls and balcony seating in the main auditorium means more

able to create a purpose-built theatre with the space and technology needed to

people can enjoy a show while maintaining the intimacy of a smaller facility. And,

showcase the very best in local and touring performances. Add to this a second

for the first time, Cairns audiences will be able to experience the glamour of box

studio theatre that can be configured to suit different performance types and serve

seating, right at home.

as a much-needed rehearsal or warm up area for the main auditorium. The wider

Public areas have also been greatly expanded to accommodate the 40% increase

and deeper main stage is now at national standard and can accommodate full

in patrons, with each person having twice as much room as the existing theatre

symphony orchestras (98 musicians) and ballet companies. Greater space in the

– without taking the 375m2 terrace into account. The balcony level foyer will also

stage wings, a larger fly tower, increased fly lines and bigger prop staging area,

provide stunning views over the lush tropical gardens of Munro Martin Parklands.

will make it easier to put on a full-scale productions whether they be local, state,

Add to this a significantly larger service area for refreshments and a doubling

national or international. For performers themselves, the pressure on changing

in toilet facilities, which will eliminate long queues before shows and during

space has been significantly reduced with room for an additional 52 people in front

intermission. And with major improvements to the stage and back of

of mirrors (66 in total), and during peak usage times, such as eisteddfods and end-

house facilities, Cairns will be able to attract an even more diverse array of

of-year showcases, the studio theatre and cross over can also be used for costume

performances and better accommodate touring shows, ensuring audiences have

changes. In addition, three times as many back of house toilets will be provided for.

the full theatrical experience.

LOCATION

P

rior to The Precinct, proposals to build a new performing arts centre have revolved around sites, which Council does not have control over, near the

Cairns waterfront, and incorporate other uses such as a museum and retail shopping. The Cairns Performing Arts Centre and Munro Martin Parklands are on Council-controlled land with Council as the sole occupant. This eliminates a wide

THE

CAIRNS PERFORMING MUNRO MARTIN

ARTS CENTRE PARKLANDS

array for variables, providing certainty of the final delivery and timeline.

Added to this is feedback from the Cairns community that residents appreciate the central location of the Cairns Civic Theatre – 500m to the Esplanade and 500m to Shields Street – and see the theatre as an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric.

A further option considered was to build CPAC on the Munro Martin Park site.

This would have allowed performances to continue at the Civic Theatre until the new facility was opened. Munro Martin Parklands would then be developed on the Civic Theatre site after the building was demolished. While this option ensured continuity, it created planning concerns as both sites would need to be rezoned.

Consideration was given to redeveloping the existing theatre. Expert advice, however, indicated 85% of the building would need to be demolished and there was no certainty that the redeveloped building would address all the functional and audience requirements. Another key consideration was the cost of bringing the building up to relevant building and cyclone codes.

WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE TO THE HEART OF THE CITY A comfortable 10-minute stroll from the heart of the city, The Precinct will be an extensive redevelopment of existing facilities to create a purpose-built theatre and lush tropical parklands, and in doing so, revitalise this part of Cairns.

The Precinct is just 500m from the main pedestrian routes of the Cairns Esplanade and Shields Street making it easily accessible from the centre of the city.

At the intersection of the two major vehicle approaches to the city, The Precinct will form a much-needed and unique entry statement to Cairns.

It is anticipated that by revitalising the area, The Precinct will generate more commercial activity in this part of the city.

Research shows the community appreciates the central location of the Cairns Civic Theatre and sees the theatre as an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric.

To enhance the connection between CPAC and MMP, pavement treatment will be added to Florence Street. Operable bollards will be used so Florence Street, between Sheridan and Grafton streets, can be closed for major festivals, performances and events that will use both venues.

TOTALLY TROPICAL The Cairns Performing Arts Centre has been designed to reflect our FLORENCE ST VIEW

tropical lifestyle. The landscaping, use of local materials, water feature, structure of the entry canopy and the faรงade sun shading, combine to give the building a particular Cairns identity, by day and by night.

THOROUGHLY MODERN DESIGN

With a three-storey faรงade and 9-storey fly tower, CPAC is a building on a grand scale that has been carefully structured to appear out of the landscape, rather than dominating its

FLORENCE ST ENTRY

surrounds. Extensive landscaping softens the building while aluminium blades mitigate the harsh, tropical climate while allowing soft, natural light to brighten the interior. Architectural elements synonymous with the tropics have been used and can be seen reflected in the verandah-like foyer spaces that bring the outside in and the inside out as well as vertical plantings.

CPAC COMES ALIVE AT NIGHT By day the aluminium-blade screening used on the exterior provides relief from the hot Tropical sun. But by night, it creates a spectacular lantern effect that literally lights up the area, welcoming theatre-goers while wowing visitors on their way into the city.

THE TERRACE

4

6 3

2

5

1

1

The terrace serves as an informal meeting area before and after shows, as well as intermission, and can be used as a performance space in its own right

2

The two-way bar means patrons can purchase refreshments wherever they choose to mingle

3

Use of verandahlike foyer spaces helps to bring the outside in, and the inside out

4

Screening reduces the heat and glare of the tropical sun, while providing soft natural lighting

5

Plantings will soften the building while highlighting our tropical flora

6

The selection rich, warm colours and locally sourced materials sets the theme for the building.

FOYER VIEW

2

3

1

4

5

1

Three-storeys high and with 725m2 of floor space — 641m2 ground floor and 84m2 balcony level — the new foyer is almost three times the size of that in the existing theatre

2

The balcony-level foyer and internal staircase provide stunning views over Munro Martin Parklands

3

Screening mitigates the strong, hot tropical sun while providing soft, natural light

4

A significantly larger bar will reduce wait times for refreshments

5

Interior finishes use rich, warm colours, continuing the theme set by the exterior.

Where possible, locally sourced materials will be used

BALCONY VIEW

The view of Munro Martin Parklands from the balcony of the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

THE THEATRE

1

5

6

3

2 2 4

1

The new auditorium has 941 seats, making it half as big again as the existing theatre

2

Seating has been carefully planned to ensure uninterrupted sight lines so there isn’t a bad seat in the house

3

Balcony seating for 260 people has been introduced, including 20 in the balcony boxes, creating a more intimate theatre with different seating options for patrons

4

A dual-aisle format makes it easy for people to get to and from their seats

5

Locally sourced timber will bring warmth to the interior while providing acoustic benefits

6

The stage has been increased to modernday standards, and can accommodate a full symphony orchestra or ballet company

GRAFTON ST APPROACH

The Grafton Street view of the CPAC

SHERIDAN STREET VIEW

The Sheridan Street view of the CPAC

CLIENT PRESENTATION 13 TH OCTOBER 2015

OUND FLOOR PLAN FLOOR

BALCONY LEVEL PLAN

PLAN

GRAFTON STREET

SECOND THEATRE

SECOND THEATRE BALCONY

FLORENCE STREET

PLANT

FOYER

MAIN AUDITORIUM

STAGE

BALCONY

FRONT TERRACE

GROUND FLOOR

BALCONY LEVEL DROP OFF

STAGE BELOW

CAIRNS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE

COMPARISON

Better functionality, greater comfort NEW CPAC FOOTPRINT

The Cairns Performing Arts Centre will be twice the size of the existing theatre, making room for greatly enhanced back-of-stage functionality while giving patrons greater comfort in all aspects of their visit.

EXISTING CIVIC THEATRE

DEMOUNTABLES

Total floor area (all levels) Seating main theatre

2,075m2 669

7,385m2 941 including 260 balcony

Seating studio theatre

NA

400 including 81 balcony seats

Stage dimensions

10m deep by 22m wide

13.5m deep by 27m wide

EXISTING THEATRE FOOTPRINT 1,900 SQM

NEW PURPOSE BUILT CPAC

seats and 20 box seats

large enough for a full symphony orchestra or ballet company

Proscenium 13.1m

14m

Fly lines

21

48

Dressing rooms

14 people

66 people

Green room

30m2

50m2

Toilets

Female 12, Male 8 (including urinals)

Female 28, Male 14 (including urinals)

Ground floor, female 18, Male 9 Balcony, Female 10, Male 5 3 accessible toilets

Hearing loop

Yes

NA

Foyer 224m2 641m2 Balcony foyer

NA

84m2

Food and refreshment service

6m

33m

Terrace

NA

375m2 paved area

Orchestra pit

27m2

38m2

Crying room

NA

15m2

Porte Cochere NA 18.75m 3-4 car lengths or 50-seater bus and 1 car Parking 110 onsite spaces 158 onsite spaces

With a footprint of 4200m2 the new Cairns Performing Arts Centre will be more than twice the size of the existing Cairns Civic Theatre

5

1

MUNRO MARTIN

PARKLANDS

3 2

4

A lush, tropical entry statement to Cairns 1 D irectly opposite CPAC, Munro Martin Parklands will not only be a rich, tropical parklands, the large lawn area, amphitheatre and stage, will provide a third performance and entertainment space within The Precinct.

The park has been a key gathering point for the Cairns community for more than a century, although it has been underutilised in recent years. As part of The Precinct, Munro Martin Parklands will be reinstated as the city’s premiere park. Visitors will be able to wander through dramatic vine displays, picnic beneath the trees, and catch up in the plaza.

The central lawn will play host to community events and festivals, and music and performances will ring out from the small stage. For safety and security, as well as accommodating ticketed events, the parklands will be fully fenced so it can be closed at night or after evening events and performances.

At the intersection of the northern and southern routes into Cairns, Munro Martin Parklands will not only be a beautiful, botanic park for residents but provide a dramatic entry statement for the city.

4

The stage, amphitheatre and lawn area can accommodate concerts for more than 2500 people (seated) or be used for festivals and community events

The large plaza will be well used throughout the day and as a meeting point before performances.

3

2

Pergolas and arbours will be used to display tropical, flowering vines that are impossible to showcase at the Cairns Botanic Gardens due to their rapid growth

5

The obelisk will be retained and refurbished to honour the half-sisters Margaret Munro and Janet Martin for whom the park is named after

Public amenities have been cleverly incorporated into the amphitheatre mound

CAIRNS PERFORMING

ARTS CENTRE

For more information on The Precinct, visit Council’s website, cairns.qld.gov.au/ThePrecinct.

We welcome your thoughts and feedback. You can comment on the project via the website, by email theprecinct@cairns.qld.gov.au, or at any of Council’s customer service centres and libraries.