North Queensland Arts & Cultural Centre: Scoping Report

north queensland

arts and cultural centre CENTRAL PARK Townsville

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Publisher

Community and Environment Division Townsville City Council PO Box 1268 Townsville Queensland, 4810 Australia

north queensland

arts and cultural centre CENTRAL PARK Townsville

scoping report

Contents 1. Preamble

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2. Background

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North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre

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Why this matters

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Why this is needed

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A Cultural Region is a Productive Region

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Building a Community Through Culture

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Culture as a Catalyst for Growth

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Combined Art Gallery and Library

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Combined Concert Hall and Performing Arts Space

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3. Art Gallery of North Queensland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 634 3.1 Proposed Vision

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3.2 Minimum Building Requirements 3.2.1 Galleries 3.2.2 Front of House 3.2.3 Public Programs and Education 3.2.4 Back of House 3.2.5 Administration 3.2.6 External 3.2.7 Technical Considerations / Amenities 3.2.8 Minimum Spatial Dimensions / Requirements - At a Glance

36 36 54 58 67 76 82 88 98

4. CityLibraries: Main Branch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6108 4.1 Proposed Vision

109

4.2 Minimum Building Requirements 4.2.1 Technical Considerations and Amenities 4.2.2 Minimum Spatial Dimensions / Requirements - At a Glance

128 148 156

5. Performing Arts Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6160 5.1 Concert Hall 5.1.1 5.1.2 5.1.3 5.1.4 5.1.5

160

Auditorium Back of House Front of House Administration Technical Considerations / Amenities

164 170 177 183 184

5.2 Performing Arts Space 5.2.1 Auditorium / Performance Space 5.2.2 Back of House 5.2.3 Front of House 5.2.4 Administration 5.2.5 Technical Considerations / Amenities

188 190 197 204 209 210

5.2.6 Minimum Spatial Dimensions / Requirements - At a Glance

212

6. Community and Commercial Amenities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6220 6.1 Proposed Vision

220

6.2 Minimum Building Requirements 6.2.1 Minimum Spatial Dimensions / Requirements - At a Glance

225 238

6.3 Additional Considerations

242

7. Spatial Requirements Overview

250

8. Visualisations

254

Scoping Report

1. Preamble The purpose of this Scoping Report is to provide an overview of the Minimum Facility Requirements which need to be considered when assessing potential infrastructure as appropriate to the development of a North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre and expanded cultural/creative precinct situated in Central Park as part of The Waterfront initiative.

The Scoping Report briefly discusses the potential social and cultural impacts that the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre and expanded cultural/creative precinct would affect upon the Townsville region and Northern Australia.

The report provides an overview of the minimum building requirements for comparison against current accommodations and highlights the significance an iconic cultural centre and expanded precinct will play as community infrastructure that underpins core service delivery in the areas of cultural tourism, performing arts, public programs, education and events, exhibitions, public art, collections management, life-long learning, youth engagement, information accessibility, creative industries and community engagement conducted through the various not-for-profit organisations which inhabit the precinct.

The Scoping Report has been categorised into specific institutional sections to allow a thorough review and understanding of the requirements relative to the industry to which they align and also the diverse operational activities of each cultural organisation and/or activity.

The specific insitutional categories are identified as: Preamble

Section 1 6

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Art Gallery of North Queensland - 5,178m2

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CityLibraries: Main Branch - 3,570m2

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Performing Arts Centre [Concert Hall and Performing Arts Space] - 6,921m2

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Community and Commercial Amenities - 4,505m2

It is important to note that this Scoping Report is an overview and not a comprehensive analysis and study. The Report does not identify the scope and scale of pathways, corridors, public amenities such as lavatories, voids and service cavities etc. Any thorough cost planning resulting from this Report must be undertaken in conjunction with the aforementioned exclusions in mind and it is recommended that the appropriate personnel specialising in each insitutional requirement be consulted.

Scoping Report

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Scoping Report

2. Background North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre An Urban Planning Vision for North Queensland and Northern Australia Governments, industry and the private sector worldwide have long understood the significant and transformational impact that cultural and creative activity and investment has within communities, regions and nations. Culture is expressed in many ways - through our stories, the way we live, speak, conduct public life, relate to others, celebrate, remember the past, entertain ourselves and imagine the future. Our creative expression gives voice to us as individuals, challenges perceptions and helps us see the world through the eyes of others, and importantly, helps the world see us, our diversity, uniqueness and the richness of our Australian identity.

There is a social dividend in investing in the cultural and creative sectors with the return in strengthening our underlying values of inclusiveness, openness and democratic practice. There is another benefit from investing in the arts and artists to build a rich cultural life: the economic dividend. A cultural and creative region is a productive region. Cultural tourism is one of the largest and fastest-growing global tourism markets.

Culture and creative industries are increasingly being used to promote destinations and enhance their competitiveness and attractiveness.

Background

Section 2 8

Townsville - as a culturally active region - is no exception. In fact, Townsville’s appreciation and participation in cultural and creative events, organisations and activities far exceeds the participation of any other regional Australian centre and is demonstrably the leading cultural destination in Queensland outside of the South-East pocket.

Feedback has been provided to Economic Development Queensland in relation to the Waterfront Project and was submitted on behalf of the patrons of Dancenorth, Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Townsville Civic Theatre, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Pinnacles Gallery, and Theatre iNQ, and focused on the proposed North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre and expanded cultural/creative precinct situated in Central Park as part of The Waterfront initiative.

Scoping Report

It is the wishes of these premier organisations - which represent the broader arts community - that the proposed cultural precinct component of the Waterfront Project must be considered a vital component of the Priority Development Area and must include the following major infrastructure amenities in line with the growth and expectation of the arts community and the people of the Townsville region.

• Art Gallery of North Queensland • Concert Hall • Performing Arts Space • CityLibraries: Main Branch • Community and Commercial Amenities

Similarly, being on the first floor of the Northtown Building, the CityLibraries Flinders Street lacks public profile as well as parking and loading bay space, and program delivery space. Opportunities also extend to the expiry of the lease for all TCC spaces in the Northtown Building in mid-2018 and the positioning of CityLibraries Flinders Street into the main branch of CityLibraries in the Townsville region.

Section 2

These challenges include heritage restrictions on the use of the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery building that mean it is physically unsuitable for operation as a modern art gallery. This includes such things as limitations on the scale and scope of major exhibitions/projects, ability to showcase internationally renowned master works from prestigious institutions abroad and the current multi-use of the present spaces which often receives criticism and complaint from visitors to our region. In addition, it lacks parking and loading space, storage space, retail space, food and beverage facilities, and program delivery space.

Background

The concept of, and impetus to develop, a new facility to which the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Pinnacles Gallery, CityLibraries: Main Branch, Dance North, AFCM, and an expansion to the Townsville Civic Theatre might be relocated has been prompted by several challenges and opportunities facing Townsville City Council and the desire for the region to capitalise on its cultural prestige and attractiveness in the broader national context.

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Scoping Report

Council Performing Arts Infrastructure Council is the principal provider and operator of performing arts facilities in the region.

It has at its foundation a 37 year old, 1000 seat proscenium arch theatre (The Civic Theatre) and two black box style performance spaces(Riverway Arts Centre and C2 theatre – an adjunct to the Townsville Civic Theatre). The capacities of these smaller theatres are 310 and 240 pax respectively. Council also owns and leases two small performance spaces – The School of the Arts and Old Magistrate Court which are used by a professional dance company (Dancenorth) and a semi-professional theatre company (Full Throttle Theatre Company).

The challenge to Council and the community is simply that availability of the performance spaces is far exceeded by the demand for usage by professional and amateur production companies, community use, touring companies, schools and local junior arts academies, national and international promoters and Council’s own public performance program. Add to this the growing regional population and the ever increasing participation and attendance in the arts, particularly at school and young adult age, and the problem of demand exceeding availability is exacerbated.

In 2014/15 Council’s three performance spaces were booked for 816 days (74.5% occupancy) with some 110 show bookings turned away, including state and national touring productions. There were only 16 available dates at the Townsville Civic Theatre in that year. There is no other comparable alternative facility north of Brisbane.

Background

Dancenorth is an internationally acclaimed touring professional dance company based in Townsville. It has toured productions to Europe, China and the US as well as collaborating with national arts companies.

Section 2

This small company is housed in a heritage listed Council owned building - The School of the Arts – which is a modest facility with 150 seats, a flat floor performance space which doubles as rehearsal space and very limited back of house, administration and production space. The building has considerable structural and maintenance issues requiring substantial Council investment and as a heritage listed building, provides little scope for cost effective improvement or addition.

The company needs to grow in terms of audience capacity, rehearsal facilities and professional performance space.

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Scoping Report

Participation and attendance in the performing arts in Townsville and the immediate region is vibrant and growing. Performance, music and dance as part of school curriculum, several amateur musical theatre and choral groups, over 30 tuition schools and academies in all disciplines and thousands of children and adults participating in the performing arts – all indicate the exponential growth in participation in the cultural lifestyle of the region.

The annual junior Eisteddfod hosts some 2 000 entries in 300 competitive events held over 18 days. Altogether, these result in about 4 600 individual performances and audience attendances exceeding 20 000. The challenge of the Eisteddfod is that it locks up the Townsville Civic Theatre for almost a month every year and there is no other facility large enough to cope with any or all of the program. This community use whilst serving the needs of the community, takes the venue out of availability for touring product for a substantial period.

Another professional theatre company, Theatre iNQ, has established in the city presenting Shakespearean productions, cutting edge dramatic theatre and youth development and bridging programs. This company presents its productions in a range of venues including open space parklands and would benefit from an established base and performance home.

Administrative space and a purpose built performance space are urgently needed to ensure its national and international profile remains competitive.

Section 2

The Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) faces a number of challenges that its current lack of infrastructure impose. Having reached capacity in the smaller venues it uses as part of its programming (Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, churches, C2) it is forgoing vital Box Office income and therefore its capacity to grow. It has no city presence and works out of an office donated by Sealink.

Background

Other arts development, incubator companies in the city include La Luna Youth Arts and Full Throttle Theatre Company. Both of these are challenged by the lack of tuition, performance and rehearsal space for their intensive programs and ever growing numbers of students.

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Scoping Report

The Townsville region would benefit economically and socially from having an expanded North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre and cultural/creative precinct located in its historic CBD, integrating world-class public facilities and private development in the manner of Brisbane’s South Bank.

Townsville’s major cultural facilities are an inextricable, but often underestimated, part of the region’s innovation effort. As storehouses of cultural memory, innovative educators, unique sites of multi-disciplinary research and powerhouses of design and innovation, their impact extends far beyond the arts and information services portfolios within which they are sited.

The core strength of Townsville’s Gallery and Library Services lies in their vast and deep collections which traverse all subject areas and media. These collections, representing the past knowledge of Townsville and the surrounding region, and its interactions with the local community, Queensland, Australia and the world, provide both critical historic reference points and springboards to new ideas.

Townsville’s cultural organisations intersect with the wider public socio-cultural and innovation agendas and as such: i.

Inspire and educate the community Through the curation and interpretation of collections, our galleries and libraries build and disseminate knowledge while at the same time fostering the confidence, critical thinking, creativity and problem solving abilities which provide the basic prerequisites for new ways of thinking.

Background

Section 2 12

ii.

Generate ground-breaking research Townsville’s cultural collections provide a critical resource for researchers and also generate in-house research projects and collaborations with other research agencies and academies, across the sciences and humanities, between disciplines and with regional, national and international partners.

iii.

Build creative communities Townsville’s galleries and libraries are an integral part of the creative economy and creative communities, providing inspirational sources, nurturing the development and application of innovative ideas, acting as sites for cutting-edge developments and contributing to the energy and inspiration which attracts creative industries, cultural entrepreneurs and innovators to the Townsville region.

Scoping Report

Educationalists have long recognised that cultural institutions provide critical and complementary learning environments to schools and universities and a forum for lifelong learning. Cultural institutions offer unique learning experiences, utilising ‘real’ objects from their collections they allow their audiences to experience great ‘hands on’ learning experiences, information for all five senses, exciting spaces, design, multi-media and visual representations and an open-ended environment far removed from formal educational contexts.

Cultural institutions encourage students to engage and enjoy; acquire new skills; try new experiences and explore their creativity. The results, according to a range of research here and overseas, is to increase self-confidence and self-esteem; change attitudes; promote higher order cognitive learning; and assist young people to make connections and utilise existing knowledge to strike out in new directions.

The fact that gallery, library and theatre interactions set off cultural and creative ‘chain reactions’ has been recognised by the Australian Government, which has in turn highlighted the need to strengthen the connections between schools and the arts and cultural sector to enrich learning outcomes.

Section 2

The aim of the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre and cultural/creative precinct would be to create a vibrant leisure zone to contribute to the community’s wellbeing in social and economic dimensions and enhance Townsville’s image as a cultural centre of excellence and maturity in Queensland, Australia and abroad.

Background

Townsville’s cultural institutions also foster research in the humanities and social sciences, in particular in Indigenous cultural studies, in learning and the dissemination of knowledge, and in historical and social science studies which focus on identity and change. Our cultural insitutions have a unique multidisciplinary capacity to highlight such issues of social concern as health, education, sustainability and the exploitation of digital and cultural infrastructure, as well as broader questions of identity and tolerance and to assist in designing solutions.

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Scoping Report

The North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre and the precinct’s aggregated cultural/creative and tourist offerings would encourage repeat and tourist visitors, along with the development of new adjacent commercial enterprises such as hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and high-rise residential apartments, as has occurred at similar precincts around the country.

This expansion would make a critical contribution to the Townsville region’s vibrant lifestyle, providing for residents high quality cultural, educational and entertainment experiences, as well as access to information for personal and working purposes.

Importantly, this revitalisation would also encourage more regional, national and international tourist visitors to spend time and money in Townsville’s CBD. It would also attract and retain new corporations, businesses and skilled people as residents, who would perceive Townsville as a vibrant place to live, work and recreate.

An expanded North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre and cultural/creative precinct in Townsville’s historic heart would enhance and continue the urban renewal strategy of Flinders Street and the city centre whilst assisting in achieving Council wide accommodation and future growth strategies.

The North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre and cultural/creative precinct would establish significant public cultural and tourist institutions within close walking distance, enabling the promotion of a Townsville Cultural Walking Trail Map in a route along Flinders Street where there is a wealth of superb heritage buildings behind the magnificent Ross River (offering things to see).

Background

Section 2 14

Scoping Report

Art Gallery of North Queensland

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CityLibraries: Main Branch

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Concert Hall

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Dancenorth

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Theatre iNQ

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Performing Arts Space

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Townsville Civic Theatre

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Australian Festival of Chamber Music

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Community and Commercial Galleries

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Creative Industries

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Artists Studios and Craft Organisations

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Restaurants, Bars and Cafes

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Parks and Outdoor Civic Spaces incorporating Public Art

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River walks and scenic leisure zones

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Cultural backdrop to the Townsville V8’s and potentially other iconic sporting events associated with Integrated Stadium and Entertainment Centre

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Proximity to community transport infrastructure: Bus and Rail

North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre is envisaged as the key public offering in the Culture and Entertainment Precinct of The Waterfront vision, a multi-faceted institution which aims to achieve status as a national and arguably an international cultural and tourist destination. A primary objective of the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre would be to respond to the current Townsville region community’s call for an expanded “artshub” and establish a benchmark facility which underpins an aggregated cultural/creative precinct comprised of dynamic and active community spaces, creative industries, green spaces, workshops, galleries, studios and retail, and commercial interests, whilst also providing an international cultural destination of substance for the North Queensland region.

Section 2

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Background

The key public cultural institutions and tourist/community attractions animating the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre precinct could be:

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Scoping Report

Supplementary to the community’s expectations and desires for an expanded cultural precinct or “artshub” there remains a very real need to address the current sub-standard accommodation provisions for Council’s premier public Galleries, Townsville Civic Theatre and the city branch of the Library.

There is also a persisting need to raise the profile of, and increase access to, the Townsville region’s art collection - City of Townsville Art Collection - which is a priceless asset of national significance. The institutional custodian of this collection, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, has been a flagship of arts service in North Queensland since the 1980s; however, it has long outgrown and lacks functionality in its 128-year old building[*]. The region’s premier contemporary art space, Pinnacles Gallery, has a proud tradition and reputation for the promotion and development of cutting edge arts practice but suffers from limited resources and functional space that similar institutions enjoy as standard.

The niche offering of the city branch is the local history collection. The local history collection is an extensive collection of predominantly paper-based resources including letters, artwork and a large image collection. It is supplemented with a collection of objects donated by pioneering families or related to council administration. It is a significant collection that is unique to Townsville and provides researchers and those with an interest in local and family history access to a broad range of resources, both physical and digital, and specialist staff to assist with research. For example, the collection houses remnants of the newly designed Australian flag first unfurled in Townsville in 1901, the Alex Trotter Collection of images taken by him over the course of his career and early maps of Townsville and surrounds. The collection is housed in a twenty-four hour climate controlled environment to enhance its preservation.

Background

Section 2 16

Worldwide, the cultural/creative sector is recognised as an important element of the knowledge economy, acting as a significant employer and revenue generator. When supported by appropriate infrastructure and correctly harnessed, knowledge and intellectual property are sizeable economic assets. The opportunity for Townsville to strategically harness and support this development within our region cannot be understated. In addition to a flagship Art Gallery of North Queensland/Library: City Branch and Concert Hall/Performing Arts Space an “artshub” of aggregated cultural/creative industries would play an equally important role in the beating heart of a creative city. A thriving creative sector, in turn, generates an exciting, stimulating city with great lifestyles, amenities, and rich cultural and social environments. Such a vibrant environment then attracts more creative thinkers, innovators and knowledge-economy entrepreneurs across the whole economy. In addition, it is recognised that the creative industries are an enabler in the wider economy. They provide leadership in thinking, ideas and design capabilities, and add value across all spheres of economic activity – from innovation, research and development to investment. Skills and talents deployed by the creative sector enhance other sectors of the economy. For example, good design (in its broadest sense) is a key to good business, giving us a competitive advantage internationally in industries as diverse as mining, manufacturing and fashion design. [*]

Conservation Management Plan: Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, Woods R. & TCC, 2012

Scoping Report

Why this matters Creative industries influence economic growth. Townsville, like many cities, recognises the impact that a strong cultural base has on the region’s economy, particularly in terms of tourism and regional identity. The creative industries are a significant platform on which Townsville can position and brand itself, amalgamating cultural identity and economic growth.

Townsville competes not just nationally but internationally for talent, attention and revenue. Maximising the economic potential of creative production requires harnessing the opportunities that are generated in the interaction between arts, creativity, culture and the marketplace.

Encouraging the creative industries is one of the most powerful means of enhancing the city’s identity and distinctiveness, while simultaneously creating employment and generating social capital. In a world where every place is beginning to feel and look the same, cultural products and activities mark one place from the next. Tangible differences create competitive advantage.

This model of cultural delivery also provides an ideal branding opportunity, with similar successful developments achieving a wide national and international reputation and projecting a strongly positive image for their region - think: Queensland Cultural Centre [QAGOMA, QLD Museum, QPAC, QLD Conservatorium of Music, John Oxley Library] South Bank, Brisbane.

Section 2

Galleries, Libraries, Theatres and Concert Hall’s are seen widely as part of the “creative” part of the economy alongside creative industries such as architecture, video, film and photography, radio and television, design, music and advertising. These cultural institutions share an overlapping workforce with these areas and, in many different ways, underpin their creative output.

Background

The development of the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre and aggregated cultural/creative precinct would provide a masterplanned and visionary platform upon which Townsville could harness and support the creative sector whilst building on its strengths as a destination city by better utilising the creative industries to attract people to visit, live and work here, providing a positive economic return for the region.

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Scoping Report

In successful precincts, these two elements of community and content are highly complementary, linked by an idea that focuses and aligns the whole enterprise.

Community cultural delivery benefits from access to unique content; this content is contextualised and made more accessible by being linked to place and people. This integrated approach provides a high quality attraction for a wider audience and uses strategic relationships to maximise the use of existing capabilities and investment by government and other project partners.

Importantly this strategy does not constrain options for spatial distribution of facilities.

For both infrastructure and programming, an “artshub� model provides many local governments with an efficient delivery mechanism that includes a visible core facility for coordinating cultural delivery and programmes, co-located with other cultural/ creative functions. Presently, the generational benefits for the Townsville region through the development of a North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre and aggregated cultural/creative precinct remain unrealised.

When compared with our regional counterparts, Townsville’s cultural offerings attract more attendances than any other regional city in Australia yet the region remains overlooked in key infrastructure initiatives that could further elevate and secure Townsville as an international and national cultural destination of substance.

Over the last decade the QLD Government has invested significantly in cultural infrastructure in Cairns with very little funding provided to Townsville in this area of activity. It is clear that Townsville has an image problem when it comes to regarding the city as a cultural or tourist destination, yet the reality paints a very different picture.

Background

Section 2 18

Investing in iconic cultural infrastructure should be a key driving impetus of this region, and the local government, ensuring that Townsville capitalises on the lucrative global cultural tourism market, nurtures and advocates the enabling of creative industry and transforms the city to a destination that promotes investment.

Scoping Report

This expansion would make a critical contribution to the Townsville region’s vibrant lifestyle and innovation effort, providing for residents high quality cultural, educational and entertainment experiences, as well as access to information for personal and working purposes. Importantly, this revitalisation would also encourage more regional, national and international tourist visitors to spend time and money in Townsville’s CBD. It would also attract and retain new corporations, businesses and skilled people as residents, who would perceive Townsville as a vibrant place to live, work and recreate.

Creative professionals or “the skilled middle class” is exactly the demographic that Townsville needs to attract and retain if it is serious in establishing growth and economic development. An iconic North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre flagship facility amongst a centralised cultural/creative precinct in Townsville’s historic heart alongside a well overdue transformation of Ross Creek would enhance and continue the urban renewal strategy of the city centre linking The Strand, established dining precincts, performing arts, V8 racing circuit, high density residential riverside development and an Integrated Stadium and Entertainment Centre.

Broadly; the work of Australia’s major cultural institutions extends far beyond what is traditionally regarded as ‘the arts’, into the environment, education, history, science, industry and innovation. Their creative output is multi-disciplinary and crosses traditional portfolios. This provides unique advantages in considering the development of an expanded cultural/creative precinct - as the role of the public institution underpins the dynamism of a holistic expanded cultural/creative precinct through interdependent relationships and shared identity. In addition, it is recognised that the creative industries are an enabler in the wider economy. They provide leadership in thinking, ideas and design capabilities, and add value across all spheres of economic activity – from innovation, research and development to investment.

Section 2

International research has demonstrated the role of cultural organisations in regenerating older cities (especially de-industrialised centres) and in attracting the creative community to cities and centres. Cultural organisations are major contributors to the energy and inspiration which re-builds community confidence, and attracts creative industries, cultural entrepreneurs and innovators to certain cities and centres above others.

Background

A holistic renewal strategy is the key to defining and transforming Townsville as a whole.

The benefits of such urban planning has been clearly identified and achieved in other cities worldwide as demonstrated in the Guggenheim Bilbao, Southbank Brisbane and Federation Square Melbourne, with Townsville still failing to recognise and promote such activity.

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Scoping Report

Visualisations

Section 7

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Section 7

Visualisations

Scoping Report

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Scoping Report

Why this is needed Townsville City Council facilitated an engagement in October 2014, briefing internal stakeholders on the intent and purpose of the Townsville Waterfront Priority Development Area (PDA). The initiative was well received, with a number of attendees supporting the notion of reduced ‘red tape’ on development in an economically constrained environment.

One particular comment was raised by a stakeholder that resonated with the status of Townsville’s cultural identity.

“It is my hope that the declaration of this area will deliver a new cultural identity to our city. I often think that our only distinctive asset is our Strand, which is, if you’ll pardon the expression, the lipstick on a city with no face.”

This comment produced the metaphorical personification of a city with no manifested identity, and captured a cultural disconnection between how we perceive our city and achieving our vision for the future – ‘Townsville, a great place to live and be proud of ’[*] In order to achieve our community’s vision ‘Townsville, a great place to live and be proud of ’, it is important to understand that that the liveability of a place is dependent on social, environmental, economic and cultural attributes that combine to create a sense of local identity.

It is widely accepted that harnessing and investing in the cultural identity of a city will facilitate the necessary foundations for creative activity, international attention, growth and economic prosperity, all centred around the individual offering of a city’s cultural point of difference.

Background

Townsville, whilst being significantly unique in its geographic location and environmental diversity, lacks the necessary tangible (built) elements to realise and capture its rich cultural diversity. Without an investment in culture, Townsville fails to capitalise on all the existing attributes that would see it mature into a city of creation, innovation and as an internationally unique destination. Truly a great place to live and be proud of.

Section 2 22

[*]

Townsville Community Plan, 2011

Section 2

Background

Scoping Report

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Scoping Report

A Cultural Region is a Productive Region One of the immediate benefits in cultural investment is an economic dividend.

Increased tourism and job creation are immediate benefits of economic investments in arts and culture. These are significant motivations to support internal migration and regionalisation from South East Queensland and potentially international cities creating a higher and broader skill capacity in the Townsville region.

Skills and talents deployed by the creative sector enhance other sectors of the economy.

For example, good design (in its broadest sense) is a key to good business, giving us a competitive advantage internationally in industries as diverse as mining, manufacturing and fashion design. Creative industries influence economic growth. Townsville, like many cities, recognises the impact that a strong cultural base has on the region’s economy, particularly in terms of tourism and regional identity.

The creative industries are a significant platform on which Townsville can position and brand itself, amalgamating cultural identity and economic growth. Townsville competes not just nationally but internationally for talent, attention and revenue. Maximising the economic potential of creative production requires harnessing the opportunities that are generated in the interaction between arts, creativity, culture and the marketplace.

Encouraging the creative industries is one of the most powerful means of enhancing the city’s identity and distinctiveness, while simultaneously creating employment and generating social capital.

Background

Section 2 24

In a world where every place is beginning to feel and look the same, cultural products and activities mark one place from the next and tangible differences create competitive advantage.

The local community can also increase their influence on tourism development, as well as improve their jobs and earnings prospects through tourism-related professional training and development of business and organisational skills.

Scoping Report

With Townsville’s population set to grow between 270,000 and 300,000 people by 2031, it is important that such cultural investment occurs, attracting growth into the Townsville CBD, and as a nexus to the economic growth of the City. Furthermore, this will enhance the profitability of the local economy through increased tourism, expenditure, and development of knowledge based industries through the attraction (and retainment) of skilled professionals.

Skilled professionals are drawn to ‘liveable’ destinations by opportunities for creative work and a good quality of life. These places become centres of innovation in part because of the talent that is attracted, and can avoid industrial stagnation through being able to creatively meet the challenges of global change.

The 2006–07 State of the Regions Report observed regional centres which have strongly improved economic performance have had high employment growth relative to population growth. The report concluded that “a key driver of this population growth was the presence of a diversified lifestyle and cultural choices for residents”

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The 2014 Brick by Brick exhibition at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery attracted 102 320 visitors of which 31% were interstate and international visitors[*]

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In the 2013-2014 financial year, three of the top five visitation destinations in the Townville Region were cultural and creative industries[**]

Section 2

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Background

The attraction of innovative industries and skilled professionals is highly pertinent to Townsville and broader Australia given the economic deceleration of natural resource trade, and the need for economic stimulation through culture and knowledge-based industries.

[*]

Culture Matters, Gallery Services, Townsville City Council, 2014

[**] Culture Matters, Gallery Services, Townsville City Council, 2014

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Scoping Report

Building a Community Through Culture In the face of an increasingly globalised economy, Townsville must continue to convert itself economically and culturally, and create a branding to capitalise on its natural assets and economic diversity.

In addition to conventional improvements to the ‘hard’ infrastructure of cities and regional areas (e.g. public transport, or cultural assets such as libraries and museums), attention must be paid to the ‘soft’ arts and cultural infrastructure: services and activities that encourage expressions of cultural distinctiveness and encourage networking and creativity. Investment into major cultural facilities will increase social capital in the local community through:

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Enhancing a change in residents’ sense of place of their city

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Defining a local identity

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Integrating Indigenous heritage into our collective identity

Beyond these rewards, cultural investment enhances a community through the voicing and portrayal of expression. It allows us to see the world through the eyes of others, it allows us to collaborate and connect, to offer people a feeling of social, geographical, and cultural belonging.

Furthermore, it helps the world see us. Through these means, the local celebration of our uniqueness and the richness of our Townsville identity can be showcased, directly facilitating a means by which to show pride, and love the place we live.

Background

Section 2 26

Scoping Report

Culture as a Catalyst For Growth Townsville is on the cusp of significant growth and change. It is already the largest city in Queensland outside the South East pocket. Its population of around 190,000 in 2011 is set to grow to between 270,000 and 300,000 people by 2031. In conjunction with this growth, The Townsville CBD Master Plan sets the strategic objective to achieve 30,000 residents and employees living and (or) working in the CBD by 2030.

Cultural precincts or districts are an important civic investment and support the longterm development of creative economies and urban centres. They bring about substantial economic outputs and employment, as well as significant social benefits. There is an obvious synergy between the location and investment of major cultural facilities on the doorstep of the Townsville CBD, and the existing strategic planning vision for the city, and wider region.

For example, an economic impact study of the development of Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Cultural District found: ‡‡

The district will bring $HK 2 660 million value-added contribution to GDP on opening, rising to $HK 5 280 million in after 16 years

‡‡

9 980 jobs will be created on opening, rising to 20 080 after 16 years

‡‡

2.4 million tourists will visit in the first year, and tourism will then grow at an annual rate of 2.2% over 30 years

Section 2

Background

Creating this density of patronage and employment is highly pertinent to the direction and vision Townsville has created over a 25 year strategic planning horizon.

27

Scoping Report

Combined Art Gallery and Library It is recognised that it is not considered feasible for the Townsville region to raise funding for two capital projects of this stature or to sustain the ongoing operational costs of running an Art Gallery of North Queensland and CityLibraries: Main Branch as standalone venues located separately from each other.

An alternative approach is to develop one new flagship facility which combines Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and Pinnacles Gallery into the Art Gallery of North Queensland and shares identified spaces of activity with the CityLibraries: Main Branch.

An iconic building which has the potential to offer something for everyone: an exciting opportunity to reinvent the city of Townsville by building on its collection, exhibitions, skills and resources to provide a new cultural offering of national and international significance to reach new audiences.

Recently concluded surveys conducted by Museums and Gallery Services Queensland (MAGSQ) assessed the visitation habits of the State’s regional Galleries and confirmed that a symbiotic relationship exists between Libraries and Galleries, with patrons to both areas of interest frequently co-populating each venue.[*] This is not a unique occurrence to the Queensland audience as the survey conducted was based on the benchmark model produced by Museums and Galleries New South Wales (MGNSW) which also confirmed similar results from the New South Wales statewide survey.

Background

Specific to the Townsville region the survey confirmed that visitors and participants of Gallery activities (both Pinnacles Gallery and Perc Tucker Regional Gallery) also frequented the region’s Libraries more than any other cultural facility.[**]

Section 2

This shared patronage in conjunction with identified shared-use spaces within Gallery and Library operations provides a unique opportunity to cost-effectively develop and deliver a modern facility in a holistic manner rather than construct these insitutions in isolation which will inherently require duplication of amenities and services.

[*] 28

Guess Who’s Going to the Gallery: Statewide Report, MAGSQ & MGNSW, 2013

[**] Guess Who’s Going to the Gallery: PTRG and Pinnacles Reports, MAGSQ & MGNSW, 2013

Section 2

Background

Scoping Report

29

Scoping Report

Combined Concert Hall and Performing Arts Space The co-location of a Concert Hall adjoining or adjacent to a Performing Arts Space brings inherent operational, technical and structural savings.

This will include shared:

Background

Section 2 30

‡‡

Back of House (BOH) space

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Dressing rooms – single, dual and ensemble

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Artist Green Rooms

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Storage of props/instruments

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Climate controlled piano store

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Staff, cast and crew amenities

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Loading docks

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Lighting and sound equipment storage

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Workshop

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Front of House (FOH) space

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Bar & Catering

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Box Office

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Foyer

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Marketing space/billboards/banners

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Retail and merchandise outlets

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Small function space for pre and post show gatherings

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Instruments (pianos), music stands, rostra, specialist stage seating

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Audio visual equipment

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Catering stock and equipment, glassware, tables, chairs

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Operational/staff synergies

‡‡

Technical staff

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Box Office staff

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Administration & finance staff and cash/finance systems

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Front of House staff (Ushers/attendants)

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Security

‡‡

Bar and catering staff

Section 3

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Scoping Report

31

Scoping Report

2.0.4 Multi-Purpose Shared Use Spaces

Background

Section 2 32

Scoping Report

Section 3

Art Gallery of North Queensland

2.0.5 Community Spaces and Commercial Ancillary Amenities

33

Scoping Report

3. Art Gallery of North Queensland ‘Art Gallery of North Queensland enriches people’s lives by promoting knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of Art, History and the Natural Environment.’

3.1 Proposed Vision/Purpose The Art Gallery of North Queensland is envisaged as North Queensland’s leading art museum, an outstanding regional - and perhaps national - institution renowned for being scholarly, innovative and fun. The Art Gallery of North Queensland’s core permanent collection will be the City of Townsville Art Collection. Its temporary exhibitions will span the key themes identified in the Visual Arts Strategy:[*] Accessibility

Art Gallery of North Queensland

‡‡

provision of internationally and nationally significant exhibitions and projects to the Townsville community

‡‡

provision of highly developed curatorial content that promotes North Queensland artists and artsworkers to audiences locally, nationally and internationally

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provision of diverse content and themes that interest all members of the community irrespective of age, culture, religion, gender and race

Activation provision of active spaces within and outside of the Gallery environment through diverse and considered programming

‡‡

active community and cultural capacity building through considered programming and project development

‡‡

identification and development of innovative collaborative projects that provide engagement opportunities for the region’s artists, artsworkers and cultural organisations

Section 3

‡‡

34

[*]

Collections Management, Art In Public Spaces, Creative Communities, Creative Classrooms, Creative Spaces, Exhibitions: Visual Arts Strategy 2013-2016, Gallery Services, Townsville City Council, 2013

Scoping Report

Advocacy ‡‡

provision of an active and sustainable creative economy through the delivery of innovative and relevant projects, events and programs

‡‡

provision of highly developed curatorial content that promotes North Queensland artists and artsworkers to audiences locally, nationally and internationally

‡‡

identification and development of innovative collaborative projects that provide engagement opportunities for the region’s artists, artsworkers and cultural organisations

These spaces will be interdisciplinary and interactive, and supported by dynamic events and education programs. It is proposed that the Art Gallery of North Queensland will also have thriving commercial enterprises, including a retail store and restaurant/café.

i.

to present inspiring, thought-provoking Art, History and Natural History exhibitions and a dedicated Kids Space, attracting in excess of 150,000 regional, Australian and international visitors per annum

ii.

to protect and make more accessible through expanded displays the City of Townsville’s nationally significant art collection, which is a priceless part of the region’s heritage

iii.

to present a reinvigorated, unified and inclusive community identity that is the cultural icon of North Queensland and the centrepiece of a dynamic cultural/creative precinct

Section 3

In summary, the objectives of the Art Gallery of North Queensland would be:

Art Gallery of North Queensland

The Art Gallery of North Queensland is envisaged as being presented in a new, large, iconic building of cutting-edge architectural distinction, i.e. having a wow factor to draw residents and tourists alike.

35

Scoping Report

3.2 Minimum Building Requirements The following overview provides a summary of the Minimum Requirements that need to be considered when identifying the scope of the Art Gallery of North Queensland facility. An analysis of the physical dimensions of what is proposed can be viewed in Section 3.2.8 Minimum Spatial Dimensions/Requirements - At a Glance.

These requirements meet the needs and expectations of the community in-line with the professional requirements of the Gallery Services Section to enable core service level delivery, expanded growth in particular areas (such as storage) and ensures a generational provision of excellence in cultural development within the Townsville region. Not discussed in this report are utility based considerations such as amenities, environmental systems, security systems and other operational requirements that are considered standard inclusions in all new developments relative to an art museum.

3.2.1 Galleries

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Section 3 36

Main Gallery The Main Gallery would be the premier art space of North Queensland. It would be a large voidal gallery that allows the Townsville region to showcase the finest examples of cultural and historical exhibitions from Australia and overseas.

With the anticipated national and international focus on the development of an Art Gallery of North Queensland, Gallery Services would be ideally positioned to attract major touring exhibitions and loans of objects and artworks from national and international artists, galleries, museums and institutions, as well as develop its own major exhibitions that would be suitable to tour around Australia and overseas. Put simply exhibitions which would inspire awe and engage the Townsville community and tourists alike.

In order to stage such exhibitions, a large Gallery space with a vast expanse of floor space, minimum wall heights of 7-8m to allow for large paintings, sculptures and projections, and movable walls to create intimate spaces where an exhibition requirement would facilitate need to be available.

Scoping Report

Current Equivalent: The Ground Floor of Perc Tucker Regional Gallery is what would currently be considered the ‘Main Gallery’. However, due to the adaptive reuse of a heritage building, the space is limited and trailing most recognised regional galleries in terms of its capacity to house works and display them to peak standards.

Section 3

Art Gallery of North Queensland

The main areas of concern are the limited wall heights, limited linear metres for hanging works, and small amount of floor space for the comfort of patrons, particularly during functions. The layout, again due to the adaptive reuse of a heritage building, is also not ideal as the linear metres of walls vary greatly from medium sized to quite small, which dictates the placement of works and limits the curatorial capability of Gallery Services to most effectively group works that are conceptually and/or stylistically compatible. In this, the layout of exhibitions can often appear opportunistic on the part of the Gallery staff to utilise space, instead of flowing and conceptually considered.

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Scoping Report

Summary

Section 1 38 38

Section 2

Objectives

Scoping Report

Main Gallery, Guggenheim, Bilbao, Spain 39

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Scoping Report

Permanent Collection Gallery The recently conducted Visual Arts Review outlined the value of the permanent City of Townsville Art Collection. The review determined the Collection needed to be more effectively communicated to the community, and also should be more widely accessible – through digital resources, exhibitions/programs, and a more identifiable and visible presence in the galleries.

The establishment of a major dedicated display space for exhibitions of work drawn from the City of Townsville Art Collection will assist in achieving this in a meaningful way. By initiating a program of Collection exhibitions that rotate on a quarterly basis, Gallery Services would be able to dedicate the time and focus required to develop high quality exhibitions, and therefore sustain the interest of the community. The raised profile of the City of Townsville Art Collection through regular major exhibitions would also assist in attracting monetary and artwork gifts.

This Gallery space is proposed to be called the ‘Perc Tucker Gallery’ to negate a perception within the community that Alderman Perc Tucker’s legacy is not being adequately commemorated when vacating the current premises.

Current Equivalent: Art Gallery of North Queensland

Section 3 40

No equivalent exhibition space presently exists within the current Gallery environment.

Due to the small size of the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and Pinnacles Gallery exhibition spaces and limited hanging wall heights when compared with other leading regional galleries, it is clear the spaces are not conducive to the display of high quality, major Collection exhibitions.

As such, these exhibitions are staged irregularly, most often on the First Floor of Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. One of the most recent examples was Collecting in the Tropics, however a significant number of works (75% of the acquisitions in the year 2011/12) needed to be excluded due to the space’s capacity.

Section 3

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Scoping Report

41

Scoping Report

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Section 3

42

Scoping Report

Contemporary Art Gallery The Art Gallery of North Queensland would ideally cater to the discerning art tastes of most patrons, through the inclusion of the proposed Main, Collection, New Media, Print, Indigenous, Local Artist, Kidspace, and Historical/Social History gallery spaces.

A contemporary gallery space - of comparable size and space to the proposed Collection Gallery - would go further to enable Gallery Services to appeal to all visitors - particularly youth and our young adults.

Current Equivalent: The Pinnacles Gallery space is currently most frequently utilised for the display of contemporary artworks. However, the need for a diverse schedule means there are not continuous opportunities to display contemporary art. The space is also of insufficient size and scale (linear and cubic metres, and wall height) to display numerous available touring exhibitions of contemporary art, and trails its regional gallery counterparts in this respect.

Section 3

Art Gallery of North Queensland

This Gallery space is proposed to be called the ‘Pinnacles Gallery’ to celebrate the gallery’s impact within the local arts community as the current space for contemporary art.

43

Scoping Report

Eddie Koiki Mabo Gallery The Eddie Koiki Mabo Gallery would be a dedicated exhibition space within the greater Art Gallery of North Queensland, solely focussed on the exploration and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture.

Torres Strait Islander Eddie Koiki Mabo was an Indigenous community leader and human rights activist who achieved national prominence as the successful principal plaintiff in the landmark High Court of Australia ruling on native land title. In 1992 the historic Mabo decision of the High Court of Australia recognised traditional land rights for Australian Indigenous People. Eddie Koiki Mabo was based in Townsville, and the positive effects of his actions for Australian Indigenous People is still felt today.

This Gallery being named in his honour would be a fitting tribute to his life, and would undoubtedly resonate with Indigenous communities around the country.

The Eddie Koiki Mabo Gallery would predominately exhibit works from the City of Townsville Art Collection. The City of Townsville Art Collection has a significant holding of works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists in all mediums, including prints, paintings, drawings, fibre and textile works, and sculpture. Collection displays would highlight the talents of artists belonging to the local Indigenous communities, the Wulgurukaba and Bindal peoples, as well as works by notable Indigenous artists from other regions of Australia.

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Section 3 44

The Eddie Koiki Mabo Gallery could also be used as needed to host exhibitions exploring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture. These could include small curated exhibitions, or focussed components of larger touring exhibitions.

Current Equivalent: No equivalent exhibition space presently exists within the current Gallery environment.

Due to the small size of the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and Pinnacles Gallery exhibition spaces and limited hanging wall heights when compared with other leading regional galleries, it is clear the spaces are not conducive to the display of high quality, major Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander exhibitions.

Section 3

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Scoping Report

45

Scoping Report

New Media Gallery With the rise of modern technology and the increasing proficiency of emerging artists to experiment with this technology, New Media Art has gained momentum as a recognised artform within the arts sector over the past twenty years. Due to the technical requirements of New Media Art, a space with established audio, visual, lighting and online capabilities that are adaptive and meet industry standards is required for their effective display. The Art Gallery of North Queensland will require the inclusion of such a space to display New Media work in order to remain in-touch with the movement.

The space will be utilised by local – particularly through James Cook University – national, and international artists. Townsville’s James Cook University responded to the New Media movement with the conclusion of its Visual Arts degree, and establishment of a Bachelor of New Media Arts degree. The New Media Arts degree has enabled Townsville to produce a significant amount of young local talent exploring film, graphic design, photography, sound, and online content.

Current Equivalent:

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Section 3 46

Perc Tucker Regional Gallery currently lacks the capability to effectively display New Media Art, and in discussion with Prof. Peter Murphy it is evident that this may jeopardise the Gallery’s display of the annual James Cook University Bachelor of New Media Arts graduate exhibition.

Pinnacles Gallery is somewhat better equipped for the display of New Media Art, though the vast space is not well equipped for the creation of several ‘intimate’ spaces using movable walls that are often required to best display New Media Art (to prevent the spill of sound and vision from one work impacting another). While the space is set up with projectors that are adequate, these are quickly becoming out-dated, and the space is illequipped for sound or works that require/utilise the internet.

Scoping Report

Local Artists Gallery The Art Gallery of North Queensland will be the flagship facility promoting artists of the region. In order to do this effectively, the Gallery will schedule exhibitions by local artists that - when coupled with exhibitions of national and international content and interest in the Main, Contemporary and Collection spaces - will gain greater coverage within the local and national media sphere and interest within the arts sector specifically.

As such, a dedicated display space for exhibitions by North Queensland artists and artist groups is appropriate. This will also ensure that North Queensland artists are represented at all times in the Art Gallery of North Queensland’s exhibition schedule.

The space is suggested to be comparable in size to the current capacity of Perc Tucker Regional Gallery’s ground floor (linear meters) with increased wall height so as to not restrict the development of our artists wishing to increase the scale of their work. This proposed size will allow North Queensland artists the opportunity to display major exhibitions, without forcing these artists to progress beyond their resources/capabilities by filling a space the size of the proposed Main and Contemporary galleries.

While the First and Ground Floor spaces are somewhat appropriate for the display of exhibitions by local artists, the availability of these spaces is less frequent and the height of the walls is restrictive to local artists’ development. The Niche and Access galleries are too small to meet the expectations of the majority of emerging and established artists within the community that wish to display a conceptually and technically developed and resolved exhibition of works in their regional gallery.

Section 3

Exhibitions of local content are currently scheduled at various times throughout Perc Tucker Regional Gallery’s exhibition program on either the First or Ground Floor, and within the Niche and Access galleries. The high demand from local artists for these spaces means there is a significant waiting list. However, this demand currently needs to be balanced against the community’s expectations of a diverse and engaging program of exhibitions that is not purely local content, meaning it is not always feasible to schedule a local artist.

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Current Equivalent:

47

Scoping Report

Visualisations

Section 7

48

Section 7

Visualisations

Scoping Report

49

Scoping Report

Kidspace Gallery A small – medium sized Gallery space is required for the display of artworks by Townsville children and school students. This space will encourage the development of young local artists, and assist in the professional development of those wishing to progress in the arts by displaying their work in a professional Gallery setting.

Exhibitions to be displayed in this space include the Townsville Young Artist Awards, and a number of projects within the Creative Classrooms and Creative Communities themes that will engage the community, detailed in the successful Visual Arts Strategy.

Current Equivalent: Exhibitions of content created by Townsville children and school students are currently displayed once per year in the Townsville Young Artist Awards, which is allocated half of either the Ground or First Floor at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, or more regularly in the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery stairwell.

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Section 3 50

The stairwell has been used regularly to present works by Townsville children and school students, but due to the incline, cramped nature of the space and lack of exhibition lighting it is not to the standard expected of exhibition displays within regional galleries.

This impacts on the viewers, and also negates any opportunity for Gallery Services staff to appropriately document and celebrate these exhibitions.

Scoping Report

Print Gallery A dedicated space to explore and celebrate printmaking specifically is appropriate in response to the large, active, and skilful group of printmakers operating in Townsville.

This space will contribute to the positioning of Townsville as a nationally recognised hub for printmakers.

The City of Townsville Art Collection would also be accessed for displays in this space, with the majority of the works within the Collection being prints and works on paper.

Examples of the types of printmaking that will be promoted through exhibitions in a dedicated Print Gallery include; woodcut, engraving, mezzotint, aquatint, drypoint, lithography, screenprinting, monotypes and monoprints, and digital prints.

Current Equivalent:

Roger Butler AM speaks at the opening of In the Japanese Manner - Australian prints 1900-1940 from the National Gallery of Australia.

Perc Tucker Regional Gallery

Section 3

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Prints are currently displayed periodically in exhibitions at both Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, and to a lesser extent Pinnacles Gallery. The lack of a dedicated space means prints are often incorporated into themed exhibitions involving many mediums, and not specifically celebrated as its own artform.

51

Scoping Report

Historical and Social History Gallery[*] In partnership with Library Services, this space would allow for the display of exhibitions that explore historical and social history content. The exhibitions would be of particular relevance to Townsville, North Queensland, and in some instances issues of national interest.

Such exhibitions are of wide interest to locals and visitors to the region. These exhibitions would utilise both objects and a large amount of didactic material. This space would utilise the resources of Gallery Services in developing and presenting materials in a professional exhibition setting, items and information from the Library Services Collection, and the skills and expertise of Library Services staff in developing content. The space also opens possibilities for greater interaction with James Cook University and the Museum of Tropical Queensland, and historical and museological institutions (such as National Library of Australia) from around the country and overseas.

Current Equivalent:

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Exhibitions exploring history/social history are currently not organised by or displayed at either Perc Tucker Regional Gallery or Pinnacles Gallery. Exhibitions of this ilk are organised and displayed in limited spaces at this point by Library Services; in the YourSpace facility for 6 months of the year, and on occasion on a display pillar in the Library City branch.

Section 3 52

[*]

Potential to be a shared space with CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 3

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Scoping Report

53

Scoping Report

3.2.2 Front of House

Reception [with Cloakroom amenity] A significant component of the visitor experience to any cultural facility is the environment and functionality of a reception area.

This aspect of the gallery environment not only assists with wayfinding, information services and a greeting point, but more importantly “sets the stage� in relation to the professionlism and prestige of the organisation.

It is proposed that the Art Gallery of North Queensland would include a state of the art reception area able to accommodate information services, membership and volunteer programs, wayfinding and visitor analysis in a welcoming and attractive environment with direct access to an inclusive retail space.

Current Equivalent:

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Section 3 54

The current reception areas located in Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and Pinnacles Gallery are more aligned with a reception desk situated within the exhibiting galleries.

The reception stations are neither functional nor appropriate as they diminish the exhibiting galleries capabilities due to the floor area they consume.

Reception: Art Gallery of Western Australia

Section 3

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Scoping Report

55

Scoping Report

Retail Space[*] Specialist retail spaces within cultural organisations have evolved in recent times as an “essential” component within the operational framework of the gallery environment.

The retail space allows for tourists and visitors to permanently acquire cultural and literary works pertaining to the visual arts of our region (and abroad) whilst offering opportunities for local artists to provide small works on consignment.

Current Equivalent: A dedicated space to undertake commercial retail activity within both Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and Pinnacles Gallery is consigned to small display cases situated near the entrance of each Gallery. These cases are “band-aid” solutions and are not suitable (nor appealing) as commercial retail areas.

Café/Restaurant[**]

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Cafés and restaurants are synonymous with peak art galleries and cultural institutions around the world. In building an North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre and expanded cultural/creative precinct, Townsville would be positioning itself to attract significant cultural tourism. The incorporation of a café/restaurant would be appropriate to meet the expectations of tourists. Further, this amenity would contribute to the facility becoming an inclusive destination for locals to recreate, and for some to enjoy business meetings. With this anticipated visitation, the café/restaurant would provide an additional revenue stream for the facility. It is recommended that Council secure this revenue stream in the form of a lease of the café/restaurant area to a business with demonstrated experience.

Current Equivalent: There is currently no café/restaurant within the existing Perc Tucker Regional Gallery to entice increased visitation or generate revenue. A restaurant and kiosk (C-bar) are provided at the Riverway Arts Centre.

Section 3 [*] 56

Potential to service entire North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre facility

[**] Potential to service entire North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre facility

Section 3

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Scoping Report

57

Scoping Report

3.2.3 Public Programs and Education

Art Gallery Members Lounge[*] An Art Gallery Members Lounge will allow paying members to Gallery Services to relax while enjoying works from the City of Townsville Art Collection on display, an arts reference library, complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits, as well as daily newspapers and a wide selection of magazines.

The Art Gallery Members Lounge will provide significant incentive for people to become paying members, as well as encourage reciprocal member benefits with peak and peer state and regional galleries in Australia, such as QAGOMA, National Gallery of Victoria, and National Gallery of Australia.

The Art Gallery Members Lounge will allow patrons to socialise with other members, as well as provide a space for Gallery Services to conduct functions specific to the membership.

Current Equivalent: Art Gallery of North Queensland

Presently there is no dedicated facility for paying Frineds of the Galleries members across the two venues, Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and Pinnacles Gallery. Further, there are no significant discernible benefits to becoming a paid member of Gallery Services at this stage.

Section 3 58

Members Lounge: National Gallery of Victoria

[*]

Potential to be a shared Members Lounge with Performing Arts Patrons/Members

Scoping Report

Cinematheque/Lecture Space[*] An Art Gallery of North Queensland would require the use of a 250-300 seat cinematheque/lecture space. The cinematheque/lecture space would allow for the appropriate hosting of artist talks, lectures in partnership with local tertiary institutions, James Cook University and TAFE Queensland North, the display of film and new media art, film screenings, and the hosting of major external community events such as the annual Colin Roderick Lecture and the Australian Festival of Chamber Music master classes.

This facility would also enable shared access with Library Services for the purposes of public programs, and be available for conference hire. The cinematheque/lecture space would need to be fitted with high standard audio visual equipment to ensure the appropriate display of events and films.

Current Equivalent:

The lack of permanently installed audio visual equipment is consuming of staff time due to the set up and demount required, and the sub-standard of this equipment has resulted in the less than satisfactory display of events on previous occasions (issues including sound dropping out and vision from projector onto temporary screens being unclear due to focus and light levels).

Further, due to the lack of storage space for furniture, the chairs utilised are also required for art workshops and are therefore in poor condition for these formal presentations.

These events are rarely staged at the Riverway Arts Centre theatre because of the conflicting schedule of theatre events, which means the space is seldom available at the appropriate time for such presentations.

[*]

Potential to service entire North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre facility

Section 3

When holding events of the nature intended for this space within the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery display space, audience members can be interrupted by those viewing the artwork, or an entire exhibition needs to be shut off for a short period to the annoyance of the general public.

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Currently, artist talks, lectures, and events such as the annual Colin Roderick Lecture and the Australian Festival of Chamber Music master classes are either staged within the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery display space, or on the rare occasion hosted in the Riverway Arts Centre theatre. Issues abound with both options.

59

Scoping Report

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Section 3

60

Section 3

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Scoping Report

61

Scoping Report

Wet Workshop Dedicated wet workshop space will allow Gallery Services to conduct children’s and adult workshops using common and recognised art mediums and techniques.

These workshops are part of Gallery Services’ core service delivery, contribute significantly to visitation by attracting an active and engaged audience, and result in professional development outcomes for the community’s emerging and established artists. The wet workshop space would allow for more in-depth and comprehensive workshops presented by recognised tutors and artists, exploring mediums such as paint, printmaking, and ceramics.

Current Equivalent: Currently there is no dedicated wet workshop space at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.

The Gallery is limited in the mediums it can use in presenting workshops. When wet mediums are utilised, the workshop is presented within an exhibition space or on the upstairs Balcony; significantly diminishing the aesthetic of the exhibition on display, and the comfort of participants as the class is not private.

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Section 3 62

The workshops are conducted on a drop sheet to minimise damage to the gallery flooring, though staining has still resulted on occasion. No direct access is available to sinks or cleaning facilities within this space, with participants needing to be led to the garage in the Gallery’s back of house area. A serious potential risk is also posed to artwork on display from the staging of these workshops. Pinnacles Gallery has shared access to a wet/dry workshop space in its back of house area, though the shared access and proximity to the theatre has impacted the Gallery’s ability to stage workshops at desired times/dates on previous occasions.

Scoping Report

Dry Workshop A dedicated dry workshop space will allow Gallery Services to conduct children’s and adult workshops using common and recognised art mediums and techniques.

These workshops are part of Gallery Services’ core service delivery, contribute significantly to visitation by attracting an active and engaged audience, and result in professional development outcomes for the community’s emerging and established artists.

The dry workshop space would allow for more in-depth and comprehensive workshops presented by recognised tutors and artists, exploring mediums such as pencil, charcoal or pastel drawing, photography, and specific printmaking and sculpture techniques.

Current Equivalent:

A serious potential risk is also posed to artwork on display from the staging of these workshops. As there is not adequate art equipment storage/dedicated wet and dry workshop spaces on site, the class sets of furniture and equipment used for wet and dry workshops are the same. Due to the nature of the wet workshops the condition of these materials has deteriorated to the detriment of the dry workshops presented.

Pinnacles Gallery has shared access to a wet/dry workshop space in its back of house area, though the shared access and proximity to the theatre has impacted the Gallery’s ability to stage workshops at desired times/dates on previous occasions.

opposite: Leonie Readett Art Escape April 2013 School Holiday Workshop Perc Tucker Regional Gallery

Section 3

The workshops are conducted on a drop sheet to minimise damage to the gallery flooring, though staining has still resulted on occasion. No direct access is available to sinks or cleaning facilities within this space, with participants needing to be led to the garage in the Gallery’s back of house area.

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Currently there is no dedicated workshop space at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.

Workshops are presented within an exhibition space; significantly diminishing the aesthetic of the exhibition on display, and the comfort of participants as the class is not private.

63

Scoping Report

Kids Interactive Space[*] A permanent interactive space for children is required in the Art Gallery of North Queensland and CityLibraries: Main Branch. The permanent physical location for children will ensure visiting families grow an affinity for and ownership of the space, increasing the allure of the facility for this demographic.

A program of specially designed displays and drop-in activities (as distinct from workshops presented in the dedicated workshop spaces) will be delivered in the Kids Interactive Space in response to concurrent major exhibitions and activities at both the Gallery and Library. This will also provide a greater access point to these exhibitions and programs for children and families.

The success of similar Kids Interactive Spaces has been demonstrated over the past five years; for instance the Queensland Art Gallery’s Children’s Art Centre has a permanent physical home at the Gallery of Modern Art, and has contributed to the Queensland Art Gallery being nationally regarded as a leader in developing interactive exhibitions, projects, activities and publications for children and their families.

Current Equivalent: Art Gallery of North Queensland

Access activities for children are currently insinuated into Gallery exhibitions and Library programs where possible. However, the lack of physical space means this opportunity cannot be explored to its greatest potential without impacting on the aesthetic and intended experience of the exhibitions and programs.

Section 3 64

[*]

Potential to be a shared space with CityLibraries: Main Branch

Scoping Report

Youth Lounge/Space[*] Through extensive research and surveys, it is well established that the 18-35 age demographic is the hardest market for galleries and libraries to engage.

A dedicated Youth Lounge/Space for shared use between the Art Gallery of North Queensland and CityLibraries: Main Branch would better enable the organisations to reach out to this demographic and provide a space they can take ownership of – a strategy which also contributes to the building of future audiences and has been successfully implemented at the Moreton Bay Library.

The space would feature tailored activities related to exhibitions and programs delivered by the Gallery and Library, but most importantly a space and amenities - such as couches and Free WiFi - which allow young people to recreate, socialise, study, learn and relax.

The provision of such a space will create possibilities to provide permanent meeting homes for youth focus groups such as the Townsville Youth Council, whom the Gallery and Library have dialogue and involvement with.

Section 3

There is no current equivalent space within the organisation. Exhibitions and programs are specifically designed to target this audience and presented intermittently; the lack of permanent space available limits the organisation’s potential to frequently engage this audience and develop loyalty.

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Current Equivalent:

[*]

Potential to be a shared space with CityLibraries: Main Branch

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Scoping Report

Storage A dedicated storage space is required for equipment and materials that will be used for the delivery of all Gallery Services public programs, including talks, tours and lectures, and wet/dry art workshops for adults and children.

These materials include a variety of art materials that need to be carefully sorted for both ease of access and preservation of condition, and furniture such as sets of tables, chairs, and easels.

Current Equivalent: Equipment and materials used for the delivery of programs at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery are currently stored in the Long Store, or alternatively on the balcony of the Gallery.

Issues relating to this storage include the limited capacity and difficulty of access in the Long Store, resulting in overcrowding and items such as easels being hung from walls.

The space is also utilised to house Gallery Services artist files, chairs and other furniture.

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The storage of furniture such as chairs (covered with tarpaulin) and tables on the Gallery balcony also stems from a lack of functional storage space. As the balcony is an open space, these items have been adversely affected by the natural environment and pollution from local traffic.

Pinnacles Gallery is currently storing equipment in Storage Room 2 of its back of house area, however this space is insufficient with respect to both capacity and safety as it is a workspace to create frames and other such materials, and is the safe storage area for hazardous chemicals that are required on site.

Scoping Report

3.2.4 Back of House A significant proportion of gallery operations occur as “back-of-house” activity rarely viewed by visitors to the Gallery and often not understood by peers external to the Gallery environment. The role these activities play in the succesful delivery of service level objectives cannot be understated as they often impact the operational, strategic and developmental processes within the gallery environment.

These areas of activity are specifically defined as: • Registration (movement of artworks, receipt, dispatch etc.)

• Storage (Collection, equipment, display furniture etc.)

• Collections Management (research, documentation, catalogue etc.)

• Conservation (assessment, development and implementation) • Preparation (framing, mounting, matting, etc.)

Section 3

Art Gallery of North Queensland

• Manufacture (construction, production and development)

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Scoping Report

Collections Storage[*] The City of Townsville Art Collection is recognised as one of Australia’s finest regional collections of art showcasing the cultural development and diversity of “art of North Queensland” and the Townsville region. The Collection presently holds 3500+ works of art comprised of works on paper, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photomedia/ film, textiles, jewellery, artists’ books and mixed media. The value of the Collection is estimated at $9 million and includes comprehensive holdings of works by local, regional, state, national and international artists.

The City of Townsville Art Collection is a growing cultural asset of the Townsville community - administered by Townsville City Council through Gallery Services according to National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries.

The proposed Art Gallery of North Queensland facility would contain state of the art Collections Storage that will house the Collection at a single location and with the consideration of future growth for this valuable resource. The benefits of such provision would allow the Collection to be administered in accordance with national standards and provide ease of access to the works held therein.

Current Equivalent: Art Gallery of North Queensland

The City of Townsville Art Collection is presently stored in sub-standard and inadequate accommodation facilities across a number of sites. Access to the Collection is difficult for Gallery Staff and access by external colleagues or visiting dignitaries is not possible.

Present accommodations do not meet capacity requirements nor do they allow for future expansion of the Collection. The heritage nature of the Perc Tucker building prohibits any reactive expansion measures to be undertaken and off-site storage introduces unacceptable risk due to frequent movement and handling of artworks to and from the facility.

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[*]

Potential to be a shared space with CityLibraries: Main Branch

Scoping Report

Research/Artwork viewing room[*] A significant component of Gallery activity pertains to the ongoing research and development of artwork held within the Collection. As such a dedicated space is often allocated to undertake this activity - whether by internal staff or visiting researchers and colleagues - so that research and artwork viewing can be conducted in a safe, secure and monitored environment.

Current Equivalent: There is no current space allocated for this activity to occur. Presently Gallery Services staff cordon off an area of the public galleries to undertake any research and artwork viewing that is required.

If staff need to halt the research process to undertake a break or other such activity then the artworks need to be removed, the space returned to normal and upon resumption of research the space needs to be set-up and the works returned to continue the curatorial process.

Section 3

Furthermore, if an external request is made to Gallery Services to view an artwork from the City of Townsville Art Collection it remains very difficult to remove the artwork from our present storage environments and then place the work in an environment where it can be viewed/studied without disrupting general Gallery business and patrons.

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Whilst - as a band-aid solution - the delivery of this activity in a public space has achieved our requirements there remains serious complications with time management, safety and security that arises from this neccessity.

[*]

Potential to be a shared space with CityLibraries: Main Branch

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Scoping Report

Preservation preparation workshop[*] The Preservation Preparation Workshop is a vital component of the Collections Management activity that is required for all collecting institutions. The workshop provides a climate controlled (particulate free) space in which to undertake the presentation and preventative conservation activities pertaining to individual or groups of works of art.

The Preservation Preparation Workshop is required to undertake the following activities: • Matting • Mounting • Preventative conservation • Condition assessment • Display preparation • Storage preparation Current Equivalent:

Art Gallery of North Queensland

There is no current equivalent in Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and Pinnacles Gallery.

These activities are presently conducted within Public Gallery spaces and personnel offices (including Manager Gallery Services Office).

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[*]

Potential to be a shared space with CityLibraries: Main Branch

Scoping Report

Manufacturing workshop[*] As part of contemporary exhibition display methodologies galleries often allow visitors of all ages to control their own level of enquiry and use curiosity, observation and activity to delve into exhibited subjects.

Bridging the gap between research and the community by communicating complex ideas to the public in engaging and holistic ways frequently requires the design, development and implementation of unique exhibition support materials and objects that form part of the visitor experience.

Due to the unique nature of these support materials - and the curatorial contexts that require strict adherence - the production of frames, display systems, exhibition furniture etc. is generally conducted “in-house� within a manufacturing workshop.

Section 3

The Thoroughfare and Storeroom 2 at Pinnacles Gallery is what would currently be considered the manufacturing workshop. However, due to the changing requirements of the exhibition program and the multi-use of the Storeroom the space is limited, unsafe and trailing most recognised regional galleries in terms of its capacity to conduct fabrication and development in this area of activity.

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Current Equivalent:

[*]

Potential to be a shared space within North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre

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Scoping Report

Photographic studio[*] The delivery of art collections in their entirety through comprehensive visual catalogue and web-based processes for audiences world-wide is a frequent and ongoing activity within the gallery environment. Due to the complex process of high level image asset capture and specific industry requirements surrounding works of art many galleries have established dedicated spaces to undertake this activity on a daily basis.

This offers a number of benefits as the collecting organisation is able to monitor and develop a holistic visual record of their associated collections, art works on loan and create high quality images for publication and promotional purposes in-line with current industry and technological requirements.

Current Equivalent: There is no current equivalent in Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and Pinnacles Gallery.

These activities are presently conducted within Public Gallery spaces and personnel offices (including Manager Gallery Services Office).

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Small Photographic Studio for capturing art works

[*]

Potential to be a shared space with CityLibraries: Main Branch

Scoping Report

Exhibition furniture storage Due to the ever-changing display requirements of exhibitions, galleries often design, develop and manufacture various pieces of bespoke exhibition furniture for use within the public gallery display spaces. These include display cases, plinths, shelves, seats and other interactive components. Although relative to a specific exhibition, exhibition furniture is often re-used or re-purposed in adaptive and creative ways to meet the needs of future programming requirements, whilst other equipment such as display cases and plinths are stored for reuse.

Current Equivalent: There is no current equivalent in Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and Pinnacles Gallery.

These activities are presently conducted within personnel offices (including Manager Gallery Services Office) and offsite storage located at Dalrymple Road Depot and Kings Street Storage.

Galleries are increasingly at the forefront of lighting and technological requirements due to the highly dynamic and progressive processes employed within the gallery environment - that is: meeting the needs of participating artists or developing and implementing innovations in exhibition display and/or education and public programming. As a result most galleries require safe and secure storage dedicated to lighting, AV and technological equipment.

Current Equivalent: Presently there is no dedicated and adequate space for the storage of lighting, AV and technological equipment. Storeroom 2 at Pinnacles Gallery and the Cleaners’ Cupboard at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery is what would currently be considered the lighting and AV equipment storage spaces.

However, due to the changing requirements of the exhibition program and the multiuse of the spaces identified it remains difficult to efficiently administer and access the equipment on an ongoing basis.

Section 3

Galleries are now seen widely as part of the “creative” part of the economy alongside creative industries such as the performing arts, architecture, video, film and photography, radio and television, design, music and advertising. Galleries share an overlapping workforce with these areas and, in many different ways, these activities or initiatives often underpin their creative output and visitor experiences.

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Lighting and AV Equipment storage

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Crate Storage[*] The movement of cultural material throughout Australia and overseas is a highly specialised process that conforms to international guidelines and security measures. As such individual works and large scale exhibitions - as standard - are often packaged to museums standards when loaned or toured to participating venues.

The most common form of secure packing for works of art are custom built Crates which safely and securely house the individual works of art therein within an environment that is protected from external climatic conditions.

During the exhibition display it is a necesary requirement that the crates are stored in a climate controlled space until the exhibition is ready for de-installation and dispatch.

Additionally the number and size of crates varies greatly dependent upon the nature of the works within the exhibition and as such storage capacity must be of a size that allows the safe handling and adequate space to minimise manual handling and work health and safety concerns.

Current Equivalent: Art Gallery of North Queensland

Presently the Thoroughfare at Pinnacles Gallery and the Garbutt Offsite Collection Store is used as Gallery Services’ Crate Storage environments. This is inappropriate as it remains an adaptive use of spaces which are designated for other specialist activities.

Due to the dynamic program of exhibitions accross Perc Tucker Regional Gallery and Pinnacles Gallery the requirement to store crates from lending institutions is ongoing and frequent.

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[*]

Potential to be a shared space with CityLibraries: Main Branch

Scoping Report

Loading dock (registration)[*] Registration refers to the specialist management of all logisitics associated with the legal arrangements, loan documentation, insurance and movement of works of art whether locally, nationally or internationally.

A critical requirement in conducting registrative activities is the receipt and dispatch of artworks, exhibitions, freight and other general materials. All major galleries conduct this activity within enclosed, safe and secure Loading Dock environments which have the capability to accommodate large transport vehicles of various sizes and capacities.

The Loading Dock area often incorporates the Crate Storage, Manufacturing Workshop and Exhibition Furniture Storage environments due to synergies between the activities conducted in each area.

Current Equivalent:

Additionally the Loading Dock area is not enclosed (ie: the unloading of the truck occurs in an open environment) which can present difficulties when inclement weather occurs during receipt.

Perc Tucker Regional Gallery does not have any Loading Dock provision. Presently artworks and exhibitions are received in the parallel carparking spaces on Denham Street adjacent to the Gallery’s side entrance.

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This is problematic as impacts from scale of exhibition, access, safety, localised traffic, climate and weather all contribute towards the challenges faced by staff and transport companies when delivering to the Gallery.

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Pinnacles Gallery utilises a shared Loading Dock area at the Riverway Arts Centre. The Loading Dock area is at ground level and can often present challenges when receiving large crates (as part of an exhibition) which need to be lowered to ground level from the truck.

[*]

Potential to be a shared space within North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre

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3.2.5 Administration

Personnel Offices Sole occupancy and shared offices (dependant on role) are required for Gallery staff conducting their day-to-day activities in-line with their positional requirements.

Personnel Offices will need to allow for the installation of necessary technology and equipment for staff to perform successfully in their roles; plan for the appropriate and effective storage of stationery, equipment and files; facilitate consultation and the sharing of ideas; and meet OH&S requirements with respect to space, lighting, seating, etc.

Current Equivalent: Offices within the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery are out-dated, restrictive and have been an adaptive reuse of heritage space. Many offices cannot accommodate the installation of necessary technology and equipment such as projectors due to the limitations as to what can be done to a heritage building. The need to make more space available for the display of artworks for the public has compromised the potential space within the current building that could be more appropriate for Office and Administrative Space.

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This has also meant the shared offices do not allow for adequate storage of stationery, equipment and files. Similarly, the space allowed for staff to navigate the offices, particularly on the first floor, is inadequate and allowing for future growth could result in breaches of OH&S requirements.

Personnel offices provided at Pinnacles Gallery are currently adequate, however the sharing of space with the Box Office and Theatre section can result in the distraction of staff.

Scoping Report

Personnel Lunchroom and Kitchen[*] The Art Gallery of North Queensland is to be equipped with a lunchroom and kitchen facilities to accommodate staff and volunteers, which can be up to 20 persons.

The size, layout, furniture, whitegoods and fittings of the Lunchroom will be such that movement around and eating in the space is comfortable for staff, and does not contravene any legislated Workplace Health and Safety standards.

The area should also meet the standards of a small commercial kitchen to allow for the effective and cost efficient catering of intimate Gallery programs, such as Friends of the Galleries functions.

This facility should not be of such a scale and capacity that it competes with the commercial interest of caterers operating in the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre or greater Townsville region who would be engaged to provide services for larger programs and events.

This office also requires adequate space to meet with sub-ordinates, artists, museum, gallery and library, and Council representatives.

Current Equivalent: The current office utilised by the Manager, Gallery Services also acts as the meeting/ boardroom for Gallery Services, and as such impacts on the ability for the Manager to act confidentially as required.

This space is also currently utilised for, at various times, the production of printed reports and collateral, storage of chairs, and storage of empty artwork crates associated with touring exhibitions. When meeting with representatives and staff of various organisations in this space, the professional image of Gallery Services is diminished due to the multiple uses of the space.

[*]

Potential to be a shared space within North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre

Section 3

A sole occupancy office for the Manager, Gallery Services is required to carry out duties commensurate with the position. This office is required to be sole occupancy as it requires the ability to discuss and action confidential matters.

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Managers Office

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Meeting Rooms Two meeting rooms are required for the shared use of the specialist areas within Gallery Services (Curatorial; Education and Programs; Exhibitions and Collections Management; Exhibition Design and Digital Content; Administration).

The provision of two meeting spaces will allow staff within these specialist areas to meet with relevant external contacts and minimise the chances of meeting clashes.

Current Equivalent: There is currently a meeting/boardroom contained in the office of the Manager, Gallery Services. This limits the ability of staff to utilise the space to meet with required contacts at any time.

In lieu of this room being available, staff meet with their contacts either at a shared table in the middle of the Pinnacles Gallery office which lacks privacy; on the balcony of Perc Tucker Regional Gallery which does not allow for the use of technology and is severely impacted by noise pollution from local traffic; or in staff offices at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery where space does not allow for formal meetings.

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Scoping Report

Boardroom A boardroom with a capacity for 20+ attendees is required for regular Gallery Services meetings and exhibition related meetings, such as with the numerous artists involved in Strand Ephemera and the students of James Cook University or TAFE Queensland North prior to their annual graduate exhibitions. The room will need to include suitable furniture for attendees to sit and work, as well as audio-visual equipment such as projectors to enable staff to collaborate on initiatives and projects in a live sitting.

Current equivalent The boardroom equivalent is currently located in the office of the Manager, Gallery Services and accommodates 14 attendees. The location of the boardroom limits its use if meetings conflict with the essential duties of the Manager, Gallery Services.

Current equivalent Most administration related storage is currently held within the downstairs office of Perc Tucker Regional Gallery. However, the number of staff required in this space limits the amount of materials that can be stored in this space. As such, filing systems are less than effective, and materials are also stored where possible – in the Air-Tight, at off-site storage facilities, and in offices of non-Administration staff and the Manager, Gallery Services.

Section 3

Adequate space is required for the safe storage of materials related to the administration of Gallery Services, such as stationery, various paper stocks, supplies for the distribution of membership mailouts, media records, archives, exhibition records, bulk stock of publications related to Gallery Services exhibitions, and effective filing systems.

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Storage

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Scoping Report

Copy Centre A copy centre is required for the efficient and clean printing and production of exhibition design materials, collateral, and reports generated by Gallery Services.

This space will need to accommodate a printer with the capacity to scan, fax, and bind books on numerous paper stocks and thicknesses, a dedicated area for a guillotine to trim printed product, a large format printer to produce didactics, and a large clear work bench on which to collate and bind reports and exhibition materials and mount large scale didactic panels to backing boards.

Current Equivalent: Printers are currently stored in the Pinnacles Gallery shared office, and the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery Air-Tight. The location of the Perc Tucker printer is of particular concern as the Air-Tight is used for the storage of artworks from the City of Townsville Art Collection, and others included in touring exhibitions.

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A printer functioning in the same space is detrimental to accepted conservation standards of these artworks. There is currently no dedicated space provided for a large format printer or workbench for the binding and production of reports, exhibition materials and didactic panels. The Gallery Services’ large format printer is currently located in the office of the Manager, Gallery Services due to the limited space available within Gallery Services facilities. The multiple sites required to produce printed exhibition design materials, collateral and reports also impacts on staff time and resources.

Section 3

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Scoping Report

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3.2.6 External The development of purposeful and engaging external spaces detailed in this section will invigorate a new Art Gallery of North Queensland. These spaces will assist in positioning a new site as an iconic North Queensland cultural destination in the local and national consciousness, and enable Gallery Services to engage with artforms that are currently under-represented due to facility limitations.

Public Art/Sculpture Trail In developing a new North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre and cultural/ creative precinct, Townsville City Council would be uniquely positioned to develop a Public Art/Sculpture Trail.

This development would significantly contribute to creating an iconic facility, which would therefore instil a sense of pride within locals and assist in the national marketing and positioning of Townsville as a culturally rich and diverse destination.

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Further, it is expected the works would be sympathetic to or reflect the development and Townsville generally. This development would also provide local artists the opportunity to propose artworks to be commissioned, which could result in significant economic benefits for local artists and the subsequent strengthening of the local arts sector.

Current Equivalent: Individual public artworks are located throughout Townsville. However, unlike many other leading galleries nationally and internationally, iconic works of public art are not coupled directly with the City’s galleries or cultural institutions to help define them as recognised landmarks. Further, no developed ‘trails’ exist at this point in time for enjoyment and education of locals and visitors.

Section 3

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Scoping Report

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Scoping Report

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Section 3

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Scoping Report

Moving Image/Film Wall/s[*] A Moving Image/Film Wall/s within the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre flagship facility and cultural/creative precinct is required to conduct public displays of cutting edge moving image and film-based artwork.

The Wall/s would also enable the staging of Gallery Services’ planned ‘Summer Screenings’ program, detailed in the Visual Arts Strategy under the ‘Creative Spaces’ theme; increased collaboration with James Cook University through their Bachelor of New Media Arts.

It is envisaged that these Moving Image/Film Wall/s, together with other forms of public art, would contribute significantly to the development of ‘place’ in establishing an iconic and progressive cultural/creative arts precinct.

Current Equivalent:

Section 3

Pinnacles Gallery is able to project moving image and film-based artworks within the confines of the Gallery to an acceptable standard. However, the technology being utilised no longer meets leading industry standards, and the internal display of these works limits the Gallery’s ability to capture a passive audience, as would be achieved with an outdoor display in a cultural/creative precinct.

Art Gallery of North Queensland

There is currently no avenue to display large-scale moving image and film-based artworks in the public realm across Gallery Services’ venues, and attempts to utilise the screen located in the centre of the Flinders Street Redevelopment have been problematic due to the nature of the technology and access issues.

[*]

Potential to service entire North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre facility

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Scoping Report

Street Art Wall/s Carefully planned and positioned Street Art Wall/s are desired within the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre flagship facility and cultural/creative precinct.

The Wall/s would link to recommendations recently adopted in the Street Art Activation Framework.

The development of Street Art Wall/s would enable Gallery Services to manage “free walls” for local artists, to conduct Street Art workshops upon, or to commission Street Art works – dependant on which recommendations for intended activity are actioned from the Framework. The Wall/s are also important infrastructure allowances for the delivery of a nationally recognised National Street Art Prize.

It is envisaged that these Street Art Wall/s, together with other forms of public art, would contribute significantly to the development of ‘place’ in establishing an iconic and progressive cultural/creative arts precinct.

Current Equivalent:

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There is currently no space provided at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery or Pinnacles Gallery for the development of artwork or conducting of workshops that engages the local, national or international Street Art community.

Scoping Report

Free Patron Parking An adequate amount of free car parking would be required to adjoin the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre and cultural/creative precinct.

The community and tourists should be encouraged to visit the precinct in order to confirm its status as an iconic and important cultural destination in Townsville. Obstacles to this visitation – such as the lack of provision for parking on-site, or the requirement of patrons to pay to park – are potentially detrimental to the vision for and intent of any new facility.

Current Equivalent: Adequate free car parking is currently provided at the Riverway Arts Centre, which houses Pinnacles Gallery, and this has been beneficial to the Gallery’s visitation.

Council operates a number of off-street car parks in the CBD offering all day paid parking, such as those located at the corner of Walker, Wills and Stokes Streets, between Walker Street and Sturt Street, on Flinders Street East, Denham Street, Ogden Street and Sir Leslie Thiess Drive. However, these parks also do not directly adjoin the Gallery for ease of visitation, and deter visitation due to the costs associated.

Section 3

While the free 5 minute parks are neither adequate for a Gallery visit nor for local artists to deliver works for exhibition, the free all day off-street car parks are also problematic as they are not directly adjoining the Gallery (these facilities can be found at the corner of Leichhardt Street and Eyre Street, beside Eyre Street, at Dean Street, and at Flinders Street between Queensland Rail and the new Central development.)

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Townsville city centre parking, which affects the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery, includes a range of parking facilities from 5 minute free parking in front of ATMs to 8 hour paid parking for all day parking in the CBD.

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3.2.7 Technical Considerations / Amenities The following Technical Considerations and Amenties overview is provided to stimulate consideration of the various provisions within the Art Gallery of North Queensland required to achieve and maintain operational efficiency and National Standards in accordance with the National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries.

A number of amenities outlined can be considered as “generic provisions” and shared throughout the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre as a whole, therefore minimising the duplication of services through the centre.

Collection Store - Location

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The City of Townsville Art Collection is recognised as one of Australia’s finest regional collections of art showcasing the cultural development and diversity of “art of North Queensland” and the Townsville region. The Collection presently holds 3500+ works of art comprised of works on paper, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photomedia/ film, textiles, jewellery, artists’ books and mixed media. The value of the Collection is estimated at $9 million and includes comprehensive holdings of works by local, regional, state, national and international artists.

The City of Townsville Art Collection is a growing cultural asset of the Townsville community - administered by Townsville City Council through Gallery Services according to National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries.

The proposed Art Gallery of North Queensland facility would contain state of the art Collections Storage to house the Collection at a single location and with the consideration of future growth for this valuable resource. The benefits of such provision would allow the Collection to be administered in accordance with national standards and provide ease of access to the works held therein.

Accordingly the location of the Collection Store requires that it is situated on the upper floor of the facility to mitigate any potential flood and/or rising water damage that may occur during an extreme weather event.

Scoping Report

Pathways and Corridors The proposed itemisation of internal spaces within the Art Gallery of North Queensland has deliberately excluded pathways and corridors throughout the Gallery space. Any architectural planning of the internal layout of the proposed Gallery would need to account for the extra floor area within the facility to include the transiting corridors that “link” people to the exhibiting Galleries.

Additionally, internal space calculations would need to consider public elevator access to all levels of the facility.

Similarly careful consideration would need to be applied to the transiting corridors throughout the non-public areas of the Gallery to allow staff to adequately move throughout the facility. These access corridors would need to account for any activity to occur, such as the movement of large-scale works of art, crates, equipment etc.

To allow for the effective operations of a modern art gallery the provision of a suitable goods lift is mandatory within the Art Gallery of North Queensland. The goods lift is a secure, non-public plant that will access all floors [including any mezzanine levels] of the Gallery to allow for the safe transport of large-scale works of art, crates, objects, sculpture and equipment throughout the facility.

The minimum requirements of the goods lift recommended are: ‡‡

Interior dimensions: L 6m W 3m Ceiling H 4m

‡‡

Load capacity: 5,000kg

Section 3

Goods Elevator

Art Gallery of North Queensland

As a general rule the provision of corridors with an allowance width of 10m is advisable.

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Scoping Report

Lighting Lighting design is of key importance for the visual quality of exhibition displays and is a fundamental element in shaping the visitor’s experience of an exhibition. It also is important for preventative conservation, to minimise light induced damage to collections.

The lit appearance of the facility should primarily aim to support the visibility of the items. The lighting for architectural form, however, is also important in shaping the visitor’s overall experience. Architectural lighting should be an essential part of the lighting design concept for the Art Gallery of North Queensland. It serves the orientation of visitors and staff and the sensory perception of the architectural space, and contributes to the overall visual experience of the exhibition items.

The architectural environment shapes the experience of the gallery visit and gives the space its uniqueness. Lighting should subtly enhance architectural features or building surfaces, making the space visually appealing through variety in the lighting design.

However, care has to be taken not to compete with the display or distract the visitors from the exhibits.

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To keep the primary focus on the display, the luminance of the space should be equal to or less than the luminance of the display walls. A 10:1 ratio of exhibit luminance to the luminance of the surrounding should not be exceeded.

The light levels will have to be adjusted [dimmable] corresponding to the relevant conservation requirements. To not exceed the light limits for the exhibits, spill light on the exhibits has to be minimised as far as possible and a considerable degree of control is required.

A main principle for the architectural lighting layout is the integration of light in the architectural form. Light should be introduced into the interior without obviously employing luminaires that might detract from the overall impression of the space. All fittings used should blend in and be harmoniously incorporated into the space.

Lighting strategies for the Art Gallery of North Queensland should be implemented with graduating transition spaces between high and low light level spaces. The soft graduation of light levels allows time for viewers’ eyesight to adjust to display conditions contrasted to brighter areas or higher light level areas. This aspect of viewer comfort, supporting light-adaptation and dark-adaptation, should be a key consideration in any proposed lighting strategies.

Section 3

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Scoping Report

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Visualisations

Section 7

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Section 7

Visualisations

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Climate Control As with all modern cultural institutions it is mandatory that a stable climate is maintained throughout the facility in accordance with international standards for museums and galleries. In the design and operation of museum spaces and systems, a key requirement is to recognise conflicting environmental needs. A conservator needs to ensure that objects deteriorate as slowly as possible; exhibition curators and designers need to display objects with suitable effect and setting for maximising their interpretive value.

Temperature and humidity are the two key measures of environmental control. They are directly linked, which is why they are typically spoken about together. Generally, relative humidity is of more concern in gallery spaces, as damage from poorly controlled humidity levels is seen faster. Detrimental effects of inappropriate temperature control are generally slower to visually detect. At high temperatures, chemical reactions increase and the rate of natural ageing increases. Biological activity will also increase. At higher room temperatures insects will generally eat more and breed faster. Mould can also grow faster within certain temperature ranges.

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Public Amenities The proposed itemisation of internal spaces within the Art Gallery of North Queensland has deliberatley excluded the scoping of various public amenities which need to be considered when assessing the building’s scale.

Inclusions such as male/female toilets [including amenities for babies], disability access to all levels within the facility, break-out spaces and rest/leisure zones, and spatial provision for the building’s internal plant, services and equipment need to be considered.

Scoping Report

Technological Provisions Technological inclusions within the Art Gallery of North Queensland is considered a vital component to a number of key areas within the gallery environment. Not only would these systems be intrinsically linked to core operational activities such as climate control, lighting and essential services, they can dramatically enhance and augment the “visitor experience” within the gallery.

Advancements in technology, alongside the saturation of “smart devices” within the social domain require that a modern facility incorporates various technological amenities which serve those that work within the space and the visiting public alike.

Identified throughout the scope of the minimum building requirements for the Art Gallery of North Queensland are a number of potentially “shared use” spaces.

A number of the proposed “shared use” spaces are essentially publicly accessible provisions which would be co-programmed by staff from differing institutions, allowing public access to these spaces at differing times which may affect security protocols on partnering institutions.

Careful consideration to the location of “shared use” spaces within the building fabric, alongside provision for limiting access from either/or institution in the event of after hours access from one institution whilst the other is closed is essential to ensure that all security requirements are maintained.

Section 3

Shared Use Spaces and Controlled Access

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Charging stations [public leisure zones], universal Wi-Fi access, registration and collections management control through RFID implementation, programmable lighting control, programmable climate control, external projection embellishments, programmable electronic security, closed CAT 5e data networks and access data points within exhibiting spaces, wall and floor located GPO access points for electrical provision throughout building [particulalry exhibition galleries], self levelling “smart glass” applied to all external glass surfaces allowing natural sunlight to permeate the building, etc. are just some indications of these provisions.

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External Applications Building Signage Provision for large, viewable institutional signage applied to the exterior of the building identifying the Art Gallery of North Queensland, in addition to internal/ external foyer/entrance promotional signage of current and forthcoming projects and exhibitions.

Public Art In addition to the inclusion of external public art throughout the cultural precinct outdoor spaces [and the Waterfront as a whole] it would be expected that the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre would include substantial public artworks of significance in the various spaces [internal and external] throughout the building’s fabric Material Selection and Treatments Careful consideration would need to be applied to the selection and use of various materials and treatments to the building’s fabric. The use of external glass facades and features should factor UV control measures either through the use of tints and/or “smart glass” that allows dynamic response to changing LUX levels.

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Similarly, as the key “cultural” facility in Northern Australia it would be welcomed that external treatments reflect the “iconic” stature of the building such as architectural embellishments, public art, dramatic form, exaggerated scale etc.

Projections and Multi-Media Provisions A key component to the activation of the building in a “public” sense is the inclusion of a large-scale outdoor multi-media screen to allow for external parkland screenings of various media. Additionally, the Ross Creek facades of the building should also allow for dynamic and inspiring projection elements which will ensure that the building remains the key point of visual interest in the cultural precinct/city during the evening.

Cyclone and Extreme Weather Events

Section 3 96

Townsville is situated in the tropical north of Australia and is subject to severe weather events, including Cyclones. All building specifications will need to meet and exceed recommended building codes associated weather ratings of this classification.

Additionally, the proposed site of the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre is adjacent to Ross Creek includes reclaimed land, and forms part of a recognised flood zone.

Scoping Report

Restricted and Security Controlled Service Areas A major component of operational activity is the registration department within the gallery environment. To securely and effectively undertake registration processes in accordance with national standards for museums and galleries it is a requirement that the dispatch and delivery of all artworks, exhibitions and associated cultural material via the Loading Dock area be a “secured” zone at the rear of the building.

This can be achieved through the provision of a walled and gated loading area that intersects with the Loading Dock, providing enough space to allow large-scale transport vehicles to manoeuvre safely.

Public Access and Assembly Points Consideration will need to be applied to the public access areas, emergency and evacuation routes/exits, assembly points and any potential impact these may affect upon security for the facility.

External Feature and Wayfinding Illumination A key component to the activation of the building in a “public” sense is the inclusion of dynamic and inspiring lighting elements on the facade, and also external transit corridors of the facility. Additionally, the Ross Creek facades of the building should also allow for dynamic and inspiring projection elements which will ensure that the building remains the key point of visual interest in the cultural precinct/city during the evening.

Security Due to the core operational requirements of a modern art gallery and the substantial cultural and economic value of the objects displayed and stored there-in it is a mandatory provision to ensure that the facility meets and maintains the highest level of security control and systems.

Provision for state of the art electronic security systems which allow nominated zone control, monitoring, identification and restricted access will need to be provided throughout the institution.

Section 3

The current site does not allow for public carparking in the Precinct proper due to the provision of public carparking in the adjacent Dean Street carpark. Therefore consideration must be applied to a Bus and Taxi Drop-off and Collection zone within the Precinct to allow for direct access to the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre by visitors.

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Vehicular Drop-off and Collection Zone

97

Scoping Report

3.2.8 Minimum Spatial Dimensions/Requirements - At A Glance

Art Gallery of North Queensland total size: 5 178m2 The following specifications provide a quick overview of the spatial requirements for each aspect of the Art Gallery of North Queensland. The detail provided is ascertained on the operational spaces required to meet the standards of a modern art gallery and allow for the expansion of activities currently delivered within the Townsville region.

The dimensions provided have been compared against current existing amenities within Gallery Services and accordingly provides a modest increase in scope to current services.

The need for such spatial provision has clearly been demonstrated in previous reports and the following guide presents the MINIMUM standards for such a facility to ensure the building meets current needs and allows for future growth in service delivery.

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Section 3 98

A number of spatial allocations within the Art Gallery of North Queensland have been recognised as potential “shared-use” spaces within the facility. These spaces have the following notation [*] assigned to indicate a potential “shared-use” space. The “shareduse” spaces are, essentially, a duplication in service requirements from one institution to another and consequently represent the opportunity to maximise the building’s use to incorporate such spaces and therefore minimise the overall size and build cost of the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre as a whole.

To review the total spatial dimensions of “shared-use” spaces refer to Section 7: Spatial Requirements Overview.

Scoping Report

MINIMUM WALL HEIGHT

MINIMUM SQUARE METRES

MINIMUM CUBIC METRES

MINIMUM LINEAR METRES

NUMBER

Main Gallery

7m

500m2

3 500m3

250

1

Collection Gallery

5m

250m2

1 250m3

150

1

Contemporary Gallery

5m

350m2

1 750m3

120

1

Indigenous Gallery

5m

250m2

1 250m3

150

1

New Media Gallery

4m

100m2

400m3

40

1

Local Artists Gallery

3.5m

200m2

700m3

120

1

Kids Space Gallery[*]

3.5m

120m2

420m3

50

1

Print Gallery

3.5m

120m2

420m3

70

1

Social History Gallery[*]

3.5m

200m2

700m3

120

1

2 090m2

10 390m3

1 070

9

TOTAL: GALLERIES

Section 3

FUNCTION

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Exhibition Galleries Overview

99

Scoping Report

Front of House Overview

FUNCTION

MINIMUM WALL HEIGHT

MINIMUM SQUARE METRES

MINIMUM CUBIC METRES

NUMBER

Reception [including Cloakroom]

3.5m

40m2

140m3

1

Retail[*]

3.5m

60m2

210m3

1

100m2

350m3

2

TOTAL: FRONT OF HOUSE

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Section 3 100

Scoping Report

MINIMUM WALL HEIGHT

MINIMUM SQUARE METRES

MINIMUM CUBIC METRES

NUMBER

Members Lounge[*]

3.5m

60m2

210m3

1

Cinematheque / Lecture Space[*]

7m

200m2

1 400m3

1

Wet Workshop space

3.5m

120m2

420m3

1

Dry Workshop space

3.5m

120m2

420m3

1

Kids Interactive Space[*]

3.5m

120m2

420m3

1

Youth Lounge / Programs Space[*]

3.5m

120m2

420m3

1

Storage

3m

50m2

150m3

1

790m2

3 440m3

7

TOTAL: PUBLIC PROGRAMS & EDUCATION

Section 3

FUNCTION

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Public Programs and Education Overview

101

Scoping Report

Back of House Overview

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Section 3 102

FUNCTION

MINIMUM WALL HEIGHT

MINIMUM SQUARE METRES

MINIMUM CUBIC METRES

NUMBER

Art Collection Storage[*]

6m

800m2

4 800m3

1

Research / Artwork Viewing Room[*]

3.5m

40m2

140m3

1

Preservation Workshop[*]

3.5m

50m2

175m3

1

Manufacturing Workshop[*]

3.5m

80m2

280m3

1

Photographic Capture Studio[*]

4m

40m2

160m3

1

Exhibition and Display Furniture Storage

4m

200m2

800m3

1

Lighting and AV Equipment Storage

3m

20m2

60m3

1

Crate Storage

4.5m

250m2

1 125m3

1

Loading Dock[*] [Registration]

7m

90m2

630m3

1

1 570m2

8 170m3

9

TOTAL: BACK OF HOUSE

Scoping Report

MINIMUM WALL HEIGHT

MINIMUM SQUARE METRES

MINIMUM CUBIC METRES

NUMBER

Personnel Offices

3m

200m2

600m3

1

Meeting Room

3m

30m2

90m3

2

Personnel Lunchroom and Kitchen[*]

3m

200m2

600m3

1

Managers Office

3.5m

40m2

140m3

1

Boardroom

3.5m

50m2

175m3

1

Copy Centre

3m

40m2

120m3

1

Storage

3m

20m2

60m3

1

610m2 ‡

1 875m3‡

8

TOTAL: ADMINISTRATION

‡ Includes total area for multiples of rooms

Section 3

FUNCTION

Art Gallery of North Queensland

Administration Overview

103

Scoping Report

External Overview

FUNCTION

MINIMUM WALL HEIGHT

MINIMUM SQUARE METRES

MINIMUM CUBIC METRES

NUMBER

Public Art

TBD

TBD

TBD

-

Moving Image / External Film Wall/s

3.5m

TBD

TBD

-

Street Art Wall/s

TBD

TBD

TBD

-

TBD

TBD

-

TOTAL: FRONT OF HOUSE

Art Gallery of North Queensland

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Scoping Report

Technical and Amenities Overview

FUNCTION

MINIMUM WALL HEIGHT

MINIMUM SQUARE METRES

MINIMUM CUBIC METRES

NUMBER

Goods Elevator

4m

18m2

72m3

1

Pathways and Corridors

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

18m2 *

72m3 *

1*

Art Gallery of North Queensland

* Does not account for pathways and corridors

Section 3

TOTAL: TECHNICAL AMENITIES

105

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Visualisations

Section 7

106

Section 7

Visualisations

Scoping Report

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Scoping Report

4. CityLibraries: Main Branch Townsville City Council was the first local government in Queensland to provide a free public library service to its residents. Townsville Library Services celebrated its 75th birthday in 2013. The service operates three branches, the City [Flinders Street], Aitkenvale and Thuringowa, as well as two mobile services and an online 24/7 presence.

In keeping pace with societal and technological developments, the collection of resources is moving towards a greater intersection with digital resources such as e-books, e-audio, and online resources, providing access to technologies to facilitate this intersection, and a range of lifelong learning programs for all ages and interests.

The Flinders Street branch of CityLibraries is located in the Northtown building and serves suburbs within a five kilometre area of Townsville’s CBD. This area has been defined as the Hyde Park Catchment and includes the suburbs of North Ward, Belgian Gardens, Pallarenda, Garbutt, West End, Hermit Park, Rosslea, Hyde Park, Pimlico, Oonoonba, Townsville South and Townsville City.

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 4 108

The Queensland Government Statistician’s Office records the populations of the area in 2014 as 37,961 and projects the population to 82,117 by 2036. This is an increase of 3% per year over 21 years. Townsville South is projected to have the largest population as at 30 June 2036 with 28,144. It is also projected to have the fastest growth in population from 30 June 2011 to 2036 with an average annual rate of 8.1%.

In 2014 the Hyde Park catchment had a lower proportion of children aged 0-4 and 5-14 years (17%) and higher proportion of people aged 65 years of age and older (12.2%) compared to the Townsville region as a whole. There were 9229 families within the catchment. Of these, 37.3% of total families were couple families with children. The Oonoonba area had the largest number of couple families with children (49.3%).

Garbutt - West End had the largest percentage of one-parent families (25%). This area also had a high Indigenous population (10.2%) compared to the Townsville local government area as a whole (6.1%). Townsville City – North Ward had the largest percentage of rented dwellings with 56%. The percentage of private dwellings in the Townsville South has the highest percentages of private dwellings which were fully owned or being purchased (40.5% and 44.6% respectively). Within the region, Garbutt – West End had the highest percentage of dwellings which had no motor vehicles with 13.8%. Townsville City – North Ward had the highest median total personal income with $46,852 per year and Garbutt – West End had the lowest median total personal income with $32,500 per year.

Scoping Report

4.1 Proposed vision A vision for the building: Learn Discover Connect.

The new library building will be the main office of CityLibraries and will also cater for customers living within the Hyde Park catchment.[*] The building would be located in Central Park on Ross Creek and would be orientated to take advantage of views of the creek and mountains.

It will take library services into a future that aligns with corporate goals and the vision for the next generation of public libraries.

New York Library: City Branch

[*]

Townsville City Council Community Facilities Infrastructure Study, 2012

Section 4

CityLibraries: Main Branch

CityLibraries’ vision is for a space that is versatile, it might be a playful and creative space for storytime in the morning, a discovery place for designing robots or investigating family history in the afternoon, and a place for community connections in the evening with public history lectures, author talks or book clubs.

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This vision for the main branch of CityLibraries aligns with the library’s current strategic framework 2014-2017.

Library vision >> Connections for life Mission >> Working with our community to connect people, information, learning and lifestyle

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 4 110

Goal 1 >> Learn CityLibraries will be a learning hub; a place where people are empowered to improve their literacy and learn something new.

Goal 2 >> Discover CityLibraries will be a place for discovery, a centre for information, innovation and creativity, a place where individuals and groups engage in innovative and creative activities, and make discoveries.

Goal 3 >> Connect CityLibraries will be a community hub, a place where people feel a sense of belonging, make connections, share information and skills, and discuss important issues.

Goal 4 >> Enabled Service Underpinning the first three goals is a commitment to excellence in customer service through agile and skilled staff, and efficient services and processes.

In recent years there has been general recognition within state and federal government of the place public libraries play in connecting people with information, informal learning and other community members.

This recognition of public libraries is demonstrated in funding for programs such as eSmart Libraries, Tech Savy Seniors – Telstra partnership and First Five Forever.

Scoping Report

Government support for public libraries is provided through annual State Library of Queensland funding which is based upon population, and through additional state and federal grant programs.

The major funding source for CityLibraries is the State Library of Queensland.

Their vision for public libraries that:

21st century Queensland public libraries are spaces to learn, work and create. Their purpose continues to be one of empowerment and community building – they have a dual role as vibrant local centres and portals to the world.

Creative community spaces

‡‡

Connectors- physical and virtual

‡‡

Technology trendsetter

‡‡

Incubators of ideas, learning and innovation

The Townsville City Council Corporate Plan acknowledges the importance of a safe, accessible and healthy community in which to live. The services, facilities, cultural programs and educational opportunities will energise, entertain and engage people of all ages and backgrounds.

Thus under the goal of social sustainability in the plan there is an outcome of “A vibrant community that is accessible, safe, healthy, creative and knowledgeable, where we embrace diversity and our sense of community”.

Two of the strategies developed to meet that outcome provide foundations for the library goals.

These are: ‡‡

Enhance a knowledgeable, inclusive and connected community that embraces growth and lifelong learning

‡‡

Provide community infrastructure and services that support growth and meets needs

Section 4

‡‡

CityLibraries: Main Branch

This translates to four common themes for 21st century public libraries in Queensland that are:

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Scoping Report

CityLibraries recent trends Townsville has a long history in library provision in the city centre and is the first city in Queensland to have opened a free public library, in 1938. After various locations in the city centre, the city branch moved to its current location in Flinders Street in 2003.

Aitkenvale library opened in 1971 and Thuringowa library in 1990. A mobile library service was established in 1981 and a Home Library Service in 1990.

In 2010, the Aitkenvale branch of CityLibraries became the first public library in Australia to be connected to the National Broadband Network, and through Council’s own systems, the two other branches were also connected.

The availability of fast broadband provides an opportunity to access information and programs from outside Townsville, as well as broadcast our own services to others; and to provide easier access to digital resources. There is still a demand within the community for learning programs to assist customers at all points on the digital spectrum, be that at the beginner level, or the advanced level of content creation.

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 4 112

Townsville is a learning community and the council is a member of the Australian Learning Communities Network. We focus our attention on providing opportunities for lifelong learning whether that is through the provision of information, delivery of programs, access to technology, or developing literacies. Keeping up with demand for new services and programs is a challenge where our focus must be on understanding and meeting the needs of the community.

Technology and the media have created an explosion in the amount of information available, and the number of devices on which that information can be provided to us. This has created many challenges in how citizens can navigate and make sense of information that might improve the quality of their lives.

Librarians are trusted guides to this world of information. We can play a key role in helping people develop their own skills in navigating and accessing information.

The need for the development of partnerships and collaborations with community groups to help create a more inclusive, connected community is also an area requiring our attention. Changes in demographics, family situations, and the economic situation can impact on library services. We can play a key role in community development through developing strong links to community groups which will assist us in broadening our membership base and the programs we offer. CityLibraries Townsville needs to maintain its well-used, inclusive and well-respected traditional services while adding new services to meet new demands.

Section 4

Library: City Branch

Scoping Report

113

Scoping Report

Library: City Branch

Section 4

114

Scoping Report

Spaces The sizes of the branches are Flinders Street 1450m², Aitkenvale 2100m² and Thuringowa library 1830m². This results in a total floor space including administration areas for the LGA of 5380m². The current public areas in the branches are Flinders Street 1220m², Aitkenvale 1300m² and Thuringowa Central 1308m² with a total public area of 3858m².

The State Library of Queensland has developed Guidelines and Standards for Queensland Public Libraries (revised October 2009) which provide a process to determine floor space requirements for libraries.

Considering the LGA as a whole, the state standards suggest that as a minimum, a population of 192,038 people should have a library floor space of approximately 7,393m².

Further, with a projected future population of 325,593 by 2036, it could be anticipated that library floor space will need to nearly double. The standards suggest a minimum total library floor space of approximately 11,550m² plus central library functions etc, might be required. This suggests the need for an increase of around 6,170m² library space over the next 21 years.

It is suggested that CityLibraries: Main Branch should have a minimum library floor space of 3570m². This area would include public access areas, administration, climate controlled storage, technical equipment storage, lecture theatre, wet and dry workshops; kids interactive space, youth lounge, photographic studio, manufacturing workshop, preservation workshop, flexible meeting rooms of various sizes and social history gallery, digitisation and local history collection space.

Section 4

The standards also indicate that another 50m² should be allowed per mobile library support, which does not include housing and parking requirements of the vehicle.

CityLibraries: Main Branch

To this should be added space for any additional areas such as local history, meeting rooms, cafe, outdoor areas/courtyards etc. plus a premium of an additional 15% space for a central library. This would indicate that the total amount of library space available, in whatever configuration, is below the recommended State Standard minimum, and suggests a current undersupply of library floor space of some 2013m² plus additional areas and central library premium.

115

Scoping Report

CityLibraries: Flinders Street Currently the branch is located in Northtown in Flinders Street and is 1450m² in total area. The public space within the branch is 1220m². The branch is open seven days per week, with a total of 47 opening hours. Visitation in 2014/2015 was 144,000. There is a public meeting room available during opening hours. The branch includes a community computer space for public use and wi-fi access. Co-located adjacent to the branch is the Community Information Centre. The Tourist Information Centre is located near the branch within Flinders Square.

The niche offering of the city branch is the local history collection. The local history collection is an extensive collection of predominantly paper-based resources including letters, artwork and a large image collection. It is supplemented with a collection of objects donated by pioneering families or related to council administration. It is a significant collection that is unique to Townsville and provides researchers and those with an interest in local and family history access to a broad range of resources, both physical and digital, and specialist staff to assist with research. For example, the collection houses remnants of the newly designed Australian flag first unfurled in Townsville in 1901, the Alex Trotter Collection of images taken by him over the course of his career and early maps of Townsville and surrounds. The collection is housed in a twenty-four hour climate controlled environment to enhance its preservation.

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 4 116

The branch also includes the Townsville Regional Digitisation Centre where staff facilitate training in the use of equipment that supports the preservation of archival material, diaries, letters and photographs that are in community museums and held by individuals.

The aim of the Townsville Regional Digitisation Centre is to encourage the owners of the material to make it more accessible online to the wider community through digitisation. Of the 40000 images in the local history collection, 5780 have been digitised and published on the internet. Resources available on the internet include a set of books published by the library, a set of fact sheets and a DVD. Townsville History online provides high quality images of objects, documents, plans, council records and books which have been published on the web through the library management system. A priority list of images and objects to be digitised has been in use since 2003.

The branch regularly provides storytime, digital literacy training, history enquiry and corporate information services. In addition the branch has spaces for displays by community groups as well as travelling and local history exhibitions. To meet community needs, lifelong learning programs for adults and school holiday activities are held in the branch meeting room and school tours of the local history collection and library are delivered as requested by Townsville schools.

Section 4

Library: City Branch

Scoping Report

117

Scoping Report

Library: City Branch

Section 4

118

Scoping Report

Needs assessment The long-term CBD library location needs to be considered as the lease expires in 2018.

There is an opportunity to co-locate a new main library building with the art gallery in one complex.

As noted earlier, population projections suggest that the population of the Hyde Park catchment will increase at an annual rate of 8.1% to 2036 which suggests expansion of the library is needed to accommodate the increased number of residents who will live in the catchment, but also an increasing number of visitors and workers.

The main library needs to be relocated to an improved location with parking at the end of the lease and expanded to house the local history collection and possibly Indigenous library services including Indigenous family history enquiry services. The main city library functions should be a landmark building that has welcoming spaces for surrounding residents as a community hub and also perform visitor and worker functions.

Co-location with Gallery Services would create cost efficiencies in the need to duplicate some spaces, eg. meeting rooms and workshop spaces.

Section 4

It is also considered that the co-location of the Community Information Centre and the Visitor Information Centre within the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre developed in Central Park on Dean Street South Townsville would sustain the synergies that have developed between CityLibraries and the Community Information Centre and Townsville Enterprise.

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Given that most Council staff are relocating to the CBD in the next 6-12 months, it is reasonable to imagine strategic and main functions of the library would be relocated to the main city library building in the CBD so that they can participate in whole of council strategic leadership functions and administrative activities.

119

Scoping Report

Proposed building features The building design would create a library space that was a community hub or urban living room with activities distributed across a field of inside and outside spaces, e.g.

Indigenous storytelling or messy play in the courtyard garden outside with comfortable spaces inside or outside for relaxing and reading.

Considering that the space would be used not just by local residents but also city workers and tourists it should reflect their needs as well, eg spaces for developing business ideas and an exhibition space to engage tourists in Townsville history. The building should take advantage of the views of the Ross Creek, the city skyline and the mountains.

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 4 120

Scoping Report

Section 4

CityLibraries: Main Branch

The building should touch the ground lightly so that pedestrians can move through the ground floor and take advantage of library, gallery, CIC, Tourist information centre, eateries and retail. It should have sufficient shade to allow for outdoor activities such as messy craft workshops and early childhood messy play activities.

121

Scoping Report

Landscaping design should be inclusive and consider the demographics using the library public spaces. The courtyard could be flexible and have multiple uses, for example, Indigenous storytelling, outdoor workshops and quiet space for reading and reflection.

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 4 122

The library spaces should be versatile. All spaces need to be family friendly and encourage use by young adults. What is designed as a staircase could also serve as an amphitheatre for community lectures or school groups. Collaborative spaces could be quickly redefined as meeting spaces for community groups or they might be used as coworking spaces where people come together for learning and collaboration on projects.

Such spaces require access to kitchen facilities to support their use.

Section 4

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Scoping Report

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Scoping Report

The CityLibraries: Main Branch would house the local history collection in a way that makes it easily accessible to users. The collection is currently utilised by individuals to research family history and Townsville history and heritage.

As part of the continuation of this service there would need to be enough space for history information services and large tables for laying out items such as large maps and artefacts. The space should include the Townsville Regional Digitisation Centre for both staff, community organisations and individuals to digitise material.

The collection needs to be stored in a twenty four hour climate controlled space away from the public access areas. The collection includes paper materials, some artefacts and photographs. The current size of the space is roughly 130m², which is barely adequate for the current collection and does not allow for expansion.

A behind the scenes preservation preparation workshop is required for working with the collection. The workshop should be climate controlled and would be used for the following activities:

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 4 124

‡‡

Packaging of items for storage

‡‡

Matting and mounting for display

‡‡

Condition assessment

‡‡

Preventative conservation

Display space is necessary for mounting social history exhibitions related to Townsville history and heritage. This is also needed to mount travelling history exhibitions from Queensland State Archives, the Australian War Memorial and the State Library of Queensland.

The library should have spaces for high end technology not already in use that are creative ideas spaces and making spaces. These would be flexible spaces that could be easily reconfigured into smaller areas for use by a number of groups at the same time.

Some specialist facilities for sound and vision creation are suggested along with wet and dry workshop spaces for making things.

Section 4

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Scoping Report

125

Scoping Report

Library: City Branch

Section 4

126

Section 4

Library: City Branch

Scoping Report

127

Scoping Report

4.2 Minimum Building Requirements The following overview provides a summary of the Minimum Requirements that need to be considered when identifying the scope of the CityLibraries: Main Branch facility.

An analysis of the physical dimensions of what is proposed can be viewed in Section 4.2.2 Minimum Spatial Dimensions/Requirements - At a Glance.

Not discussed in this report are utility-based considerations such as amenities, environmental systems, security systems and other operational requirements that are considered standard inclusions in all new developments relative to a public library.

Creative Community Spaces[*] The new CityLibraries: Main Branch will be an active, engaging space for all. Its focus will be on the needs of the community. With an estimated resident population in the catchment area from Pallarenda to Oonoonba in the order of 60,000 by 2026, and increasing density of population in inner-city apartments, the public library is uniquely placed to provide the “third place� between home and work.

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 4 128

As a physical space, the public library is a trusted community space, where residents and visitors can socialise, meet informally and formally, work, create and share local culture and stories, and a shared space which supports and builds community resilience.

The physical collection will be smaller with an increasing focus on digital collections. All shelving will be on wheels to allow maximum flexibility in the use of the space.

Digital collections and access to information online will be emphasised, along with the expertise to enable users to participate in the digital space most effectively.

The CityLibraries: Main Branch will require a space for community displays and exhibitions. A glass wall display space for digital exhibitions, and creative collaborations on open data should be included. Creative, interesting spaces for children and young adults, separately, should be included.

[*]

Potential to be a shared space with the Art Gallery of North Queensland

Section 4

Library: City Branch

Scoping Report

129

Scoping Report

Library: City Branch

Section 4

130

Scoping Report

Cinematheque/Lecture Space[*] The CityLibraries: Main Branch would require the use of a 250-300 seat cinematheque/lecture space.

The cinematheque/lecture space would allow for the appropriate hosting of artist talks, lectures in partnership with local tertiary institutions James Cook University and TAFE Queensland North, the display of film and new media art, film screenings, and the hosting of major external community events such as the annual Colin Roderick Lecture and the Australian Festival of Chamber Music master classes and Library Chat program.

Section 4

CityLibraries: Main Branch

This facility would also enable shared access with the Art Gallery of North Queensland for the purposes of public programs, and be available for conference hire. The cinematheque/lecture space would need to be fitted with high standard audio visual equipment to ensure the appropriate display of events and films.

[*]

Potential to service entire North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre facility

131

Scoping Report

Youth Lounge/Space[*] Through extensive research and surveys, it is well established that the 18-35 age demographic is the hardest market for galleries and libraries to engage.

A dedicated Youth Lounge/Space for shared use between the Art Gallery of North Queensland and the CityLibraries: Main Branch would better enable the organisations to reach out to this demographic and provide a space they can take ownership of – a strategy which also contributes to the building of future audiences and has been successfully implemented at the Moreton Bay Library.

The space would feature tailored activities related to exhibitions and programs delivered by the Gallery and Library, but most importantly a space and amenities - such as couches and Free WiFi - which allow young people to recreate, socialise, study, learn and relax.

The provision of such a space will create possibilities to provide permanent meeting homes for youth focus groups such as the Townsville Youth Council, with whom the Gallery and Library have dialogue and involvement .

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 4 132

Technology Sandbox Lounge: D. H. Hill Library

[*]

Potential to be a shared space with the Art Gallery of North Queensland

Section 4

Library: City Branch

Scoping Report

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Connectors – Physical and Virtual As the world becomes more “online�, and housing more dense, there is an opportunity for the public library to become a place of connection, both physical and virtual.

The public library will continue to provide access to technology, although in the new city branch, this access is more likely to be through portable technologies, such as tablets, laptops and e-readers, than through fixed PCs, again emphasising the flexibility of the space, and the abundant availability of seating.

With the expiration of the lease in Northtown, an opportunity will exist to co-locate the Community Information Centre with the library service. There are obvious synergies between the two services, and the opportunity to house the two services together should be investigated.

Other opportunities for co-located service, or partnerships for service provision, should also be investigated. These might include health services, government, including council services, tourist information, and community services, similar to the Early Years Information Service. The choice of potential co-located services should be driven by the demographic make-up on the inner-city catchment area.

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 4 134

Provision of a range of meeting spaces, with flexible walls and arrangements, would facilitate use by those working from home, or in small business, to meet and work.

A Coffee Shop, either within, or adjacent to, the library space should be provided, and has proved a valuable addition to the public library space at Thuringowa.

Scoping Report

Technology Trendsetters The city branch will continue to play a role in supporting access and digital skills development to all members of the community. Digital services are going to continually change and evolve and there will be an ongoing role for library services in providing access to these services, and opportunities to learn about these services.

Public libraries are developing new services around technology. One example is the Maker Space movement which provides a space for, and guidance in, using and creating with new technologies, such as 3D printers, use of open data, and mash-ups of historical images.

Co-creation is becoming a core task of public libraries world wide.

Maker Space: Detroit Library

Section 4

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Community partners will be found who can bring their technological expertise to the library’s program of lifelong learning opportunities in this space.

135

Scoping Report

136

Scoping Report

137

Scoping Report

Incubators of Ideas, Learning and Innovation The niche collection in the City branch is the local history collection. All public libraries have a role in documenting Queensland’s stories by capturing, preserving and making accessible local culture and history.

An opportunity exists to further develop Townsville’s local history collection, and improve access through digitisation. The local history collection is a well-used resource by the community from those researching their family history, to serious researchers in history.

Opportunities include increased display space, increased work/conservation space, and the opportunity to provide access to digitisation equipment for other community local history groups and individuals, and to work with them to record, and make available their own stories. HistoryPin and Lost Melbourne are examples of the results of such collaborations. A large open-plan work space would be necessary to facilitate such opportunities.

Library Services has been the lead Council agency involved in the Corporate Plan goal to develop Townsville as a learning community, through the provision of an extensive program of lifelong learning programs for all ages and interests. The provision of such programs would be a key feature of the city branch, with choice of programs centred on the needs of the community and the demographic makeup of the catchment area.

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 4 138

Literacy, in all its forms, would be a key subject for lifelong learning programs, from early literacy programs for preschool children to improving the digital literacy of seniors. The advent of MOOCs (massive online open courses) present an opportunity for the public library to provide spaces for individual study, and small group study.

Such flexible spaces would be necessary in the new city branch. There may be an opportunity to investigate potential co-location of other community collecting institutions in to a shared space with library services.

Section 4

Library: City Branch

Scoping Report

139

Scoping Report

Historical and Social History Gallery[*] In partnership with Gallery Services, this space would allow for the display of exhibitions that explore historical and social history content. The exhibitions would be of particular relevance to Townsville, North Queensland, and in some instances issues of national interest.

Such exhibitions are of wide interest to locals and visitors to the region. These exhibitions would utilise both objects and a large amount of didactic material. This space would utilise the resources of Gallery Services in developing and presenting materials in a professional exhibition setting, items and information from the Library Services Collection, and the skills and expertise of Library Services staff in developing content.

The space also opens possibilities for greater interaction with James Cook University and the Museum of Tropical Queensland, and historical and museological institutions (such as National Library of Australia) from around the country and overseas. The current space available is the display funnel in the Northtown library, portable display devices in other branches, and YourSpace in the foyer of Thuringowa Library.

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 4 140

[*]

Potential to be a shared space with Art Gallery of North Queensland

Section 4

Library: City Branch

Scoping Report

141

Scoping Report

General Storage[*] A dedicated storage space is required for equipment and materials that will be used for the delivery of all Library Services public programs, including talks, tours and lectures, and wet/dry art workshops for adults and children. These materials include a variety of materials that need to be carefully sorted for both ease of access and preservation of condition, and furniture such as sets of tables, chairs, and easels. Storage will also be needed for exhibition and display materials, and lighting and AV equipment.

Adequate space is required for the safe storage of materials related to the administration of Library Services, such as stationery, various paper stocks, supplies for the distribution of membership mailouts, media records, archives, bulk stock of publications and effective filing systems.

Collections Storage[**] Twenty-four hour climate controlled space is needed for the Local History Collection which includes paper materials, some artefacts and photographs. The current size of the space is roughly 130m2, which is barely adequate for the current Collection and does not allow for expansion.

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 4 [*] 142

Potential to be a shared space with Art Gallery of North Queensland

[**] Potential to be a shared space with Art Gallery of North Queensland

Scoping Report

Preservation preparation workshop[*] The Preservation Preparation Workshop is a vital component of the Collections Management activity that is required for all collecting institutions. The workshop provides a climate controlled (particulate free) space in which to undertake the presentation and preventative conservation activities pertaining to individual or groups of works of art.

The Preservation Preparation Workshop is required to undertake the following activities: • Matting • Mounting • Preventative conservation • Condition assessment • Display preparation

Section 4

CityLibraries: Main Branch

• Storage preparation

[*]

Potential to be a shared space with Art Gallery of North Queensland

143

Scoping Report

Manufacturing workshop[*] As part of contemporary exhibition display methodologies libraries often allow visitors of all ages to control their own level of enquiry and use curiosity, observation and activity to delve into exhibited subjects.

Bridging the gap between research and the community by communicating complex ideas to the public in engaging and holistic ways frequently requires the design, development and implementation of unique exhibition support materials and objects that form part of the visitor experience.

Due to the unique nature of these support materials - and the curatorial contexts that require strict adherence - the production of frames, display systems, exhibition furniture etc. is generally conducted “in-house” within a manufacturing workshop.

Administration Adequate office and open plan workspaces would need to be provided for staff to carry out their day-to-day functions. Three – four separate offices, plus an open plan space for up to 5 staff, with sufficient room for future expansion would be the minimum.

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 4 144

[*]

Potential to service entire North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre facility

Scoping Report

Photographic studio[*] The delivery of local history collections in their entirety through making them discoverable via catalogue and web-based processes for audiences world-wide is a frequent and ongoing activity within the library environment.

Due to the complex process of high level image asset capture and specific industry requirements surrounding such works some institutions have established dedicated spaces to undertake this activity on a daily basis.

Section 4

CityLibraries: Main Branch

This offers a number of benefits as the collecting organisation is able to monitor and develop a holistic visual record of their associated collections, and create high quality images for publication and promotional purposes in-line with current industry and technological requirements.

[*]

Potential to be a shared space with the Art Gallery of North Queensland

145

Scoping Report

Visualisations

Section 7

146

Section 7

Visualisations

Scoping Report

147

Scoping Report

4.2.1 Technical Considerations / Amenities The following Technical Considerations and Amenities overview is provided to stimulate consideration of the various provisions within the CityLibraries: Main Branch required to achieve and maintain operational efficiency.

A number of amenities outlined can be considered as “generic provisions” and shared throughout the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre as a whole, therefore minimising the duplication of services throughout the centre.

Collection Store - Location The niche collection in the CityLibraries: Main Branch is the Local History Collection. All public libraries have a role in documenting Queensland’s stories by capturing, preserving and making accessible local culture and history. The proposed CityLibraries: Main Branch facility would contain state of the art Collections Storage that will house the Collection with the consideration of future growth for this valuable resource. The benefits of such provision would allow the Collection to be administered in accordance with national standards and provide ease of access to the works held therein.

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 4 148

Accordingly the location of the Collection Store requires that it is situated on the upper floor of the facility to mitigate any potential flood and/or rising water damage that may occur during an extreme weather event.

Pathways and Corridors The proposed itemisation of internal spaces within the CityLibraries: Main Branch has deliberately excluded pathways and corridors throughout the Library space. Any architectural planning of the internal layout of the proposed Library would need to account for the extra floor area within the facility to include the transiting corridors that “link” people to the various areas of the facility. Additionally internal space calculations would need to consider public elevator access to all levels of the facility.

Similarly careful consideration would need to be applied to the transiting corridors throughout the non-public areas of the Library to allow staff to adequately move throughout the facility. These access corridors would need to account for any activity to occur, such as the movement of large scale works of art, crates, equipment etc.

Section 4

Library: City Branch

Scoping Report

149

Scoping Report

Lighting Lighting design is of key importance for the visual quality of exhibition displays and is a fundamental element in shaping the visitor’s experience of an exhibition. It is also important for preventative conservation, to minimise light induced damage to collections.

The lit appearance of the facility should primarily aim to support the visibility of the items. The lighting for architectural form, however, is also important in shaping the visitor’s overall experience. Architectural lighting should be an essential part of the lighting design concept for the CityLibraries: Main Branch. It serves the orientation of visitors and staff and the sensory perception of the architectural space, and contributes to the overall visual experience of the exhibition items.

The architectural environment shapes the experience of the gallery visit and gives the space its uniqueness. Lighting should subtly enhance architectural features or building surfaces, making the space visually appealing through variety in the lighting design.

However, care has to be taken not to compete with the display or distract the visitors from the exhibits.

To keep the primary focus on the display, the luminance of the space should be equal to or less than the luminance of the display walls. A 10:1 ratio of exhibit luminance to the luminance of the surrounding should not be exceeded.

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 4 150

The light levels will have to be adjusted [dimmable] corresponding to the relevant conservation requirements. To not exceed the light limits for the exhibits, spill light on the exhibits has to be minimised as far as possible and a considerable degree of control is required.

A main principle for the architectural lighting layout is the integration of light in the architectural form. Light should be introduced into the interior without obviously employing luminaires that might detract from the overall impression of the space. All fittings used should blend in and be harmoniously incorporated into the space.

Lighting strategies for the CityLibraries: Main Branch should be implemented with graduating transition spaces between high and low light level spaces. The soft graduation of light levels allows time for viewers’ eyesight to adjust to display conditions contrasted to brighter areas or higher light level areas. This aspect of viewer comfort, supporting light-adaptation and dark-adaptation, should be a key consideration in any proposed lighting strategies.

Section 4

Library: City Branch

Scoping Report

151

Scoping Report

Climate Control As with all modern cultural institutions it is mandatory that a stable climate is maintained throughout the facility in accordance with international standards. In the design and operation of museum spaces and systems, a key requirement is to recognise conflicting environmental needs. A conservator needs to ensure that objects deteriorate as slowly as possible; exhibition curators and designers need to display objects with suitable effect and setting for maximising their interpretive value.

Temperature and humidity are the two key measures of environmental control. They are directly linked, which is why they are typically spoken about together. Generally, relative humidity is of more concern in gallery spaces, as damage from poorly controlled humidity levels is seen faster. Detrimental effects of inappropriate temperature control are generally slower to visually detect. At high temperatures, chemical reactions increase and the rate of natural ageing increases. Biological activity will also increase. At higher room temperatures insects will generally eat more and breed faster. Mould can also grow faster within certain temperature ranges.

Public Amenities

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 4 152

The proposed itemisation of internal spaces within the CityLibraries: Main Branch has deliberately excluded the scoping of various public amenities which need to be considered when assessing the building’s scale.

Inclusions such as male/female toilets [including amenities for babies], disability access to all levels within the facility, break-out spaces and rest/leisure zones, and spatial provision for the building’s internal plant, services and equipment need to be considered.

Scoping Report

Technological Provisions Technological inclusions within the CityLibraries: Main Branch is considered a vital component to a number of key areas within the library environment. Not only would these systems be instrinsically linked to core operational activities such as climate control, lighting and essential services, they can dramatically enhance and augment the “visitor experience” within the library.

Advancements in technology, alongside the saturation of “smart devices” within the social domain require that a modern facility incorporates various technological amenities which serve those that work within the space and the visiting public alike.

Identified throughout the scope of the minimum building requirements for the CityLibraries: Main Branch are a number of potentially “shared use” spaces.

A number of the proposed “shared use” spaces are essentially publicly accessible provisions which would be co-programmed by staff from differing institutions, allowing public access to these spaces at differing times which may affect security protocols on partnering institutions.

Careful consideration to the location of “shared use” spaces within the building fabric, alongside provision for limiting access from either/or institution in the event of after hours access from one institution whilst the other is closed is essential to ensure that all security requirements are maintained.

Section 4

Shared Use Spaces and Controlled Access

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Charging stations [public leisure zones], universal Wi-Fi access, registration and collections management control through RFID implementation, programmable lighting control, programmable climate control, external projection embellishments, programmable electronic security, closed CAT 5e data networks and access data points within exhibiting spaces, wall and floor located GPO access points for electrical provision throughout building [particulalry exhibition galleries], self levelling “smart glass” applied to all external glass surfaces allowing natural sunlight to permeate the building, etc. are just some indications of these provisions.

153

Scoping Report

External Applications Building Signage Provision for large, viewable institutional signage applied to the exterior of the building identifying the CityLibraries: Main Branch, in addition to internal/external foyer/ entrance promotional signage of current and forthcoming projects and exhibitions.

Public Art In addition to the inclusion of external public art throughout the cultural precinct outdoor spaces [and the Waterfront as a whole] it would be expected that the North Queensland Arts Centre would include substantial public artworks of significance in the various spaces [internal and external] throughout the building’s fabric Material Selection and Treatments Careful consideration would need to be applied to the selection and use of various materials and treatments to the building’s fabric. The use of external glass facades and features should factor UV control measures either through the use of tints and/or “smart glass” that allows dynamic response to changing LUX levels.

Similarly, as the key “cultural” facility in Northern Australia it would be welcomed that external treatments reflect the “iconic” stature of the building such as architectural embellishments, public art, dramatic form, exaggerated scale etc.

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 4 154

Projections and Multi-Media Provisions A key component to the activation of the building in a “public” sense is the inclusion of a large-scale outdoor multi-media screen to allow for external parkland screenings of various media. Additionally, the Ross Creek facades of the building should also allow for dynamic and inspiring projection elements which will ensure that the building remains the key point of visual interest in the cultural precinct/city during the evening.

Cyclone and Extreme Weather Events Townsville is situated in the tropical north of Australia and is subject to severe weather events, including Cyclones. All building specifications will need to meet and exceed recommended building codes associated weather ratings of this classification.

Additionally, the proposed site of the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre is adjacent to Ross Creek and includes reclaimed land and forms part of a recognised flood zone.

Scoping Report

Restricted and Security Controlled Service Areas A major component of operational activity is the registration department within the library environment. To securely and effectively undertake registration processes in accordance with national standards it is a requirement that the dispatch and delivery of all artworks, exhibitions and associated cultural material via the Loading Dock area be a “secured” zone at the rear of the building.

This can be achieved through the provision of a walled and gated loading area that intersects with the Loading Dock providing enough space to allow large-scale transport vehicles to manoeuvre safely.

Public Access and Assembly Points Consideration will need to be applied to the public access areas, emergency and evacuation routes/exits, assembly points and any potential impact these may affect upon security for the facility.

External Feature and Wayfinding Illumination A key component to the activation of the building in a “public” sense is the inclusion of dynamic and inspiring lighting elements on the facade and also external transit corridors of the facility. Additionally, the Ross Creek facades of the building should also allow for dynamic and inspiring projection elements which will ensure that the building remains the key point of visual interest in the cultural precinct/city during the evening.

Security Provision for state of the art electronic security systems which allow nominated zone control, monitoring, identification and restricted access will need to be provided throughout the institution.

Section 4

The current site does not allow for public carparking in the Precinct proper due to the provision of public carparking in the adjacent Dean Street carpark. Therefore consideration needs to be applied to a Bus and Taxi Drop-off and Collection zone within the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre to allow for direct access to the Precinct by visitors.

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Vehicular Drop-off and Collection Zone

155

Scoping Report

4.2.2 Minimum Spatial Dimensions/Requirements - At A Glance

CityLibraries Main Branch total size: 3 570m2 The following specifications provide a quick overview of the spatial requirements for each aspect of the CityLibraries: Main Branch. The detail provided is ascertained on the operational spaces required to meet the standards of a modern library and allow for the expansion of activities currently delivered within the Townsville region.

The dimensions provided have been compared against current existing amenities within the city branch library located at Northtown and accordingly provides a modest increase in scope to current services. The need for such spatial provision has clearly been demonstrated in previous reports and the following guide presents the MINIMUM standards for such a facility to ensure the building meets current needs and allows for future growth in service delivery.

CityLibraries: Main Branch

Section 4 156

A number of spatial allocations within the CityLibraries: Main Branch have been recognised as potential “shared-use” spaces within the facility. These spaces have the following notation [*] assigned to indicate a potential “shared-use” space. The “shareduse” spaces are, essentially, a duplication in service requirements from one institution to another and consequently represent the opportunity to maximise the building’s use to incorporate such spaces and therefore minimise the overall size and build cost of the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre as a whole.

To review the total spatial dimensions of “shared-use” spaces refer to Section 7: Spatial Requirements Overview.

Scoping Report

MINIMUM WALL HEIGHT

MINIMUM SQUARE METRES

MINIMUM CUBIC METRES

MINIMUM LINEAR METRES

NUMBER

Base Public Access Areas

-

1 800m2

-

-

1

Local History Collection Storage[*]

-

150m2

-

-

1

Administration

-

100m2

-

-

1

Exhibition, Display Furniture and AV Storage

-

120m2

-

-

1

Cinematheque / Lecture Space[*]

7m

200m2

1 400m3

-

1

Wet Workshop space

3.5m

120m2

420m3

-

1

Dry Workshop space

3.5m

120m2

420m3

-

1

Kids Interactive Space[*]

3.5m

120m2

420m3

-

1

Youth Lounge / Programs Space[*]

3.5m

120m2

420m3

-

1

Preservation Workshop[*]

3.5m

50m2

175m3

-

1

Manufacturing Workshop[*]

3.5m

80m2

280m3

-

1

Photographic Capture Studio[*]

4m

40m2

160m3

-

1

Meeting Rooms / Flexible Spaces

-

50m2

-

-

3

Social History Gallery[*]

3.5m

200m2

700m3

120

1

Local History Collection and Digital Access Space

-

200m2

-

-

1

3 570m2 ‡

TBD

TBD

17

TOTAL: LIBRARY MAIN BRANCH

‡ Includes total area for multiples of rooms

Section 4

FUNCTION

CityLibraries: Main Branch

CityLibraries: Main Branch Overview

157

Scoping Report

Visualisations

Section 7

158

Section 7

Visualisations

Scoping Report

159

Scoping Report

5. Performing Arts Centre Section 5: Performing Arts Centre has been developed to include two key types of infrastructure required in the Townsville region. Specifically these are; a modern Concert Hall suitable for musical arts and speech based activity; and a mediumsized Performing Arts Space able to showcase contemporary dance and theatre. The following Section details each of these facilities, their associated requirements and overall scope.

5.1 Concert Hall “The North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre Concert Hall will be the premier world class musical performance venue in northern Australia.”

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5 160

The premier Concert Hall servicing the entire North Queensland region will be utilised

by Townsville City Council – Performing Arts to accommodate the proven demand by touring companies and promoters as well as expanding Council’s public program of concerts. In addition, the Concert Hall will become the preferred venue for local and regional companies including the Townsville Community Music Centre, Townsville Eisteddfod, Australian Festival of Chamber Music, Theatre iNQ, Full Throttle Theatre Company, La Luna Youth Arts and the Barrier Reef Orchestra.

The Concert Hall will provide a purpose built, acoustically designed state of the art concert facility currently not available outside of South-East Queensland. Whilst the Townsville Civic Theatre hosts the majority of the Australian Festival of Chamber Music concerts, the auditorium of that facility is not acoustically suitable for fine or classical music performance, built on 1970’s architectural design, devoid of current acoustic considerations.

Furthermore, a premier Concert Hall will heighten Townsville’s capacity to host major musical concerts and will allow the expansion of Council’s developing initiative of coproductions with Opera Qld and the QSO – companies that have been turned away in recent years due to unavailability of a suitable venue.

Scoping Report

Aside from meeting this demand, and providing space to optimise community interaction with cultural experiences, a Concert Hall will be a venue to enhance Townsville’s profile, attracting grants, and artistic attention.

Accessibility ‡‡

Provision of internally and nationally significant musical performances to the growing Townsville community and northern region

‡‡

Provision of a premier facility to both showcase and nurture the talents of young people and sustain the growth of Townsville’s musical community

‡‡

Enabling a place for the cultural diversity of musical performance to connect the community, irrespective of age, religion or gender

Active community and cultural capacity building through considered programming and targeted audiences

‡‡

Strategic activation of community open space with facade projections of performance, enhancing the venues impact on the precinct and the broader CBD

Advocacy ‡‡

Provision of an economically sustainable industry through the delivery of innovative and culturally relevant productions and performances

‡‡

Development of a collaborative community through music and performance, providing engagement opportunities with regional and international artists

Section 5

‡‡

Performing Arts Centre

Activation

161

Scoping Report

Concert Hall – Civic Theatre – what is the difference?

A Concert Hall is structurally completely different to a proscenium arch style theatre (Townsville Civic Theatre, The Capitol Sydney, the Empire Toowoomba).

In a classic proscenium arch theatre, the auditorium is effectively a separate space from the stage, divided by the arch and usually an orchestra pit. Above the stage a fly tower (often 7 – 10 storeys high) and a fly system of bars, weights and pulleys is used to “fly” sets, screens, tabs, curtains, cyclorama and extensive stage lighting. This massive void above the performance area has considerable negative impact on the acoustic quality of sound emanating from the stage – voice, instruments, projected sound.

In a Concert Hall, the performance area (stage) is in the same room as the audience – acoustically the sound does not “escape” into the void mentioned above.

In summary, whilst the Townsville Civic Theatre is suitable for musical theatre (with large chorus productions, orchestra, set changes and scenery) and for amplified performance (popular and rock music, comedians etc) a Concert Hall is designed to give perfect acoustic performance of classical and orchestral performances from soloists to philharmonic size orchestra concerts.

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5 162

Section 5

Performing Arts Centre

Scoping Report

163

Scoping Report

5.1.1 Auditorium A 700-seat auditorium in a tiered configuration with the ability to close upper levels off to create an intimate mode of 200 – 300 seats. Panelled partitioning or a motorised auditorium curtain preferred with the ability to locate a portable FOH control desk at this barrier. Appropriately furnished and acoustically modelled.

Current Equivalent: There is no current equivalent north of Brisbane. 40 – 50% of performances currently held in the Townsville Civic Theatre (1000 seats) would be relocated to the new Concert Hall, freeing up the Townsville Civic Theatre to touring and community demand.

Seating Comfortable, ergonomically considered theatre seating in configuration that allows removal of individual or panels of seats for creative/production purposes.

Disabled seating (including adjacent carer’s seating ) must be provided at a ratio in accordance with current Australian Design Standards for Disability Access and Fire Safety evacuation legislation.

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5 164

Current Equivalent: The Townsville Civic Theatre has 1000 seats. The seats are the original installation (37 years old) recovered several times during their life.

Section 5

Performing Arts Centre

Scoping Report

165

Scoping Report

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5

166

Scoping Report

Stage Stage to accommodate 60-piece philharmonic orchestra ie approx. 22x18m; Stage accessible to auditorium; Clearance to lighting rig of at least 10m; The stage surface to complement predominantly musical performance (eg parquetry).

Current Equivalent: Townsville Civic Theatre Stage is 12m x 15.3m

Lighting Design should provide for lighting bars staged throughout the auditorium and above the stage. These bars should be accessed via a network of gantries and catwalks and be capable of rigging state of the art lighting including moving and LED technology, power and cabling.

Lighting control should be incorporated into the sound and lighting control desk at the rear centre of the auditorium.

Current Equivalent: Townsville Civic Theatre has state of the art lighting console but is replacing antiquated lights.

Section 5

House lighting must be adjustable from full house up to intimate and performance modes.

Performing Arts Centre

A standard lighting rig should accommodate most performances, with specialist lighting able to be flown when required. Truss and chain motors should be included in the design.

167

Scoping Report

Acoustics / Sound Projection Acoustic design of the concert hall is the most important architectural consideration.

Adjustable Acoustic baffling to make the room “duller” or “brighter” as needed would be a most ideal situation. In terms of projected sound, the Concert Hall should incorporate a house PA system appropriate to the room – for announcements but also to cater for most sound reinforcement applications (soloists, speeches, small ensembles, popular music concerts).

It is the recommendation of this report that the acoustic design of the Concert Hall be assigned to professional designers in this field, looking at world’s best current practice and technology.

Current Equivalent: The Townsville Civic Theatre has been assessed by internationally acclaimed musicians attending the AFCM as a very “dry” and unresponsive room for fine musical performance. For the AFCM, additional sound enhancement is achieved through the placement of speakers in the auditorium roof to add reverb to the rooms natural acoustics. This is unheard of in concert hall’s around the world.

Performing Arts Centre

Access Points Patron access to the auditorium must be designed to allow quick access and egress which impacts show commencement and interval times. Sound lock entry at every patron entrance is a must allowing for uninterrupted performance. Disability access is previously mentioned and must comply with Australian standards. Seating options through the theatre for disabled patrons must be equitable – ie disabled patrons must be offered a range of seating from front row to rear of the house.

Current Equivalent:

Section 5 168

The Townsville Civic Theatre, whilst compliant with legislation at the time of construction is now facing extensive structural work to comply with current access, fire safety and evacuation standards.

Section 5

Performing Arts Centre

Scoping Report

169

Scoping Report

5.1.2 Back of House The back of house area for a Concert Hall, whilst not as spacious as required for a traditional multi-purpose theatre, must still however be functional and accessible for the movement of substantial equipment, instruments, staging, and numbers of people.

Appropriate amenities for cast, performers and staff must be provided.

Whilst the audience’s experience of the theatre is from their seat, the performers judge the venue by its backstage facilities and the acoustics of the room. This reputation and word of mouth endorsement is a very real factor in attracting touring artists and ensembles.

Current Equivalent: Back of house facilities at the Townsville Civic Theatre are a mix of 37 year old as built and modern upgraded facilities that occurred in 2009. Combined, the BOH of the Townsville Civic Theatre is outdated and insufficient to host large or coinciding productions.

Loading Dock Performing Arts Centre

Section 5 170

‡‡

A double width (pantech or semi trailer) at minimum

‡‡

Covered at least at the unloading point

‡‡

Proportional reversing/turning area

‡‡

Dock to be at consistent height of stage and connecting passageways

‡‡

Hydraulic lift platform from ground to dock height

‡‡

Sound lock from dock to stage at ceiling height

Current Equivalent: The Townsville Civic Theatre has a single dock servicing BOH.

Scoping Report

Movable Soundshell The Concert Hall should have a fully movable acoustic soundshell to reinforce acoustic sound projection, from stage to above stage ceiling height, allowing the stage performance area to be condensed or expanded as required.

Current Equivalent: The Townsville Civic Theatre has a movable soundshell.

Climate Controlled Storage Whilst the climate of the building will be dependent upon usage, constant climatically controlled storage for musical instruments must be maintained. Minimum is a concert grand piano store at 8m x 4 m at a constant 42% humidity (no higher) at 22 – 24 degrees celsius.

Current Equivalent:

Storage space for technical equipment to include: ‡‡

Lighting & Power Store – inc racks for hanging

‡‡

PA Store – speakers, amps, microphones, stands, leads

‡‡

Staging Store – rostra, legs, cello and bass chairs, orchestra straight chairs, props, curtains, tabs, blacks, conductor’s podium

‡‡

Furniture Store – tables , chairs, signage frames, weights, sandbags

Current Equivalent: Storage space at the Townsville Civic Theatre is full.

Section 5

Technical Equipment Storage

Performing Arts Centre

The Townsville Civic Theatre has a small piano store barely sufficient for our piano stocks.

171

Scoping Report

Dressing Rooms Modern dressing room facilities to be provided with normal expectations. The inclusion of Wi-Fi coverage and a communal kitchenette/lounge (as distinct from the Green Room) would be ideal.

Single and two person dressing rooms should include toilet and shower facility, other dressing rooms to utilise communal cast toilets and showers.

Dressings rooms, green rooms and other BOH facilities need to be connected to an adjustable (volume) intercom system for show calls from the Stage Manager’s Prompt desk.

Dressing Rooms to be as: ‡‡

Principal Artist Change rooms (2)

‡‡

Medium size (2 person) (8)

‡‡

Large size (chorus/orchestra) (8 or a configuration to allow 2 each of Male and Female ensemble dressing rooms to accommodate up to 60 person orchestra)

Current Equivalent: Performing Arts Centre

Section 5 172

The Townsville Civic Theatre has 10 dressing rooms split between 4 ensuite rooms, 4 medium rooms and 2 rooms (upstairs) each capable of accommodating 35 people.

Touring Production Manager’s Office This office space should be located BOH close to the Green Room and dressing rooms.

The room should be appointed with a desk, telephone, Wi-Fi, lounge and visitor chairs.

Current Equivalent: The Townsville Civic Theatre has a desk in an open area at the rear stage door.

Section 5

Performing Arts Centre

Scoping Report

173

Scoping Report

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5

174

Scoping Report

Rehearsal Rooms Two rooms should be provided backstage to allow artist warm-up. These rooms should be large enough to accommodate an upright piano and space for a seated quartet. Rooms 4m x 5 m as a guide FULLY SOUNDPROOFED from the other dressing rooms and stage.

Current Equivalent: The Townsville Civic Theatre has no rehearsal/warm up rooms – dressing rooms are used without any sound suppression or artists warm up outside the building.

Green Room The artist Green Room should be provided as a lounge area appointed with kitchenette/ bar and appropriate dĂŠcor. The green room is not intended to accommodate a cast of 60 but should be large enough to host pre and post show gatherings of 20 people.

Ideally the Green Room should be near to the principal artist dressing rooms and have adjacent access to the backstage door.

Section 5

The Townsville Civic Theatre has a small Green Room however privacy is an issue as it is the route for cast from FOH to the Dressing rooms.

Performing Arts Centre

Current Equivalent:

175

Scoping Report

Sound Locks Sound Locks between all backstage areas to stage access must be provided. These locks allow quiet entry/exit of cast during performance pieces. Sound lock access both up and downstage, Prompt and OP sides of stage is required.

Current Equivalent: The Townsville Civic Theatre has a good soundlock system throughout.

Touring Equipment Storage Often between consecutive shows bumping in and out, a lag occurs between loading and removal of touring equipment. Similarly at times equipment is on-forwarded several days before a touring company arrives to bump in. Accordingly backstage storage must be available in these instances to receive and store this. This area would also be used to store road cases during performance. A secure covered space of 10 x 5m would suffice.

Current Equivalent: The Townsville Civic Theatre has none.

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5 176

Workshop For the building of set and staging elements (includes new materials store and design/ drafting office).

Laundry Equipped with industrial washing machine and dryer, ironing and steaming facilities, clothes racks and towel storage.

Scoping Report

5.1.3 Front of House A patron’s experience of a night at the theatre commences well before taking their seat.

The experience – from hearing about a performance, deciding to act by purchasing a ticket, to arriving, parking, pre show drink right through to leaving the venue – must be completely seamless and enjoyable.

The design of the front of house of the Concert Hall must be undertaken with not just the functionality of the space, but the look and feel from the patron’s perspective.

Current Equivalent: The Townsville Civic Theatre front of house is tired and in need of refurbishment. The main foyer is not air-conditioned and in summer months is hot. It is also open to the elements with limited covered area from the car park to the auditorium. Council is scheduled to undertake a major refurbishment of the Townsville Civic Theatre in 2018 however most of this work is structural and not cosmetic. These general comments regarding current equivalent are relevant to all of the FOH areas listed below.

Cloakroom This facility should be within the main foyer, close but separate to the box office. Storage in racks, bins and hangers would be needed, with a counter top service point.

Section 5

A functional small reception area, separate from the box office, would be the administrative front door of the Concert Hall, operating business hours.

Performing Arts Centre

Reception

177

Scoping Report

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5

178

Scoping Report

Front of House Manager’s Office This small office, located within the foyer is a base for the theatre FOH staff (ushers, attendants, security). It is a room for that staff to attend briefings, be issued with radios and instructions and for them to securely store personal items whilst they are on shift. It is also a place for receipt of lost/found items during and post performance.

Bar / Catering The patron bar/s need to be designed for quick service, particularly at interval. With 600 patrons to be served within a 20 minute turnaround, length of bars and location of dispensing and paying points are important. There may be one bar servicing the entire complex, or several bars servicing areas separately. Centralised stock storage, glassware, refrigeration, post mix etc would aid efficiency.

An exclusive “members” bar would be a viable addition, adding to patron loyalty schemes and memberships.

This needs to be a minimum four outlet counter with appropriate security and technology. As Council presently operates as an agency for national ticket agent Ticketek, it would be envisaged that the Concert Hall Box Office would also accommodate that service.

This Box office could be a common Box office for other elements of the North Queensland Arts Centre including the Performing Arts Space.

Section 5

Box Office

Performing Arts Centre

Catering needs to add to the patron experience providing snack and post show style food through to premium dining experiences.

179

Scoping Report

Visualisations

Section 7

180

Section 7

Visualisations

Scoping Report

181

Scoping Report

Retail Space A retail outlet, adjacent to the box office would not only market general North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre merchandise, but would also be available to promoters for merchandise sales (on normal commission arrangements). Programs, CD’s and memorabilia are often available, with performer meet and greets generally occurring in this area.

Other FOH Considerations Apart from the specific FOH areas listed above, design of the Concert Hall FOH should also consider:

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5 182

‡‡

Storage space for equipment and furnishings

‡‡

A small meeting room to be used for staff and production meetings

‡‡

Staff Amenities – crib room, lockers

‡‡

Toilets and showers

‡‡

Cleaners room

‡‡

House public address system in the foyer

‡‡

CCTV surveillance throughout

‡‡

Security and fire monitoring

Scoping Report

5.1.4 Administration The Concert Hall will require an administration area accessible independently from the main foyer, via reception. This office space needs to accommodate up to ten administrative staff and include: ‡‡

A suite of offices for Manager, Programmer, FOH Team Leader, Finance Officer as well as support staff

‡‡

Separate rooms for marketing collateral, printing and stationery, IT and a medium size meeting room

‡‡

Staff facilities including toilets, showers, crib room, lockers

‡‡

Collegiate office space may also be considered for partnering companies such as Australian Festival of Chamber Music. They would require an office to accommodate 6 staff

Current Equivalent:

Section 5

Performing Arts Centre

The above is modelled proportionally on the administration area at the Townsville Civic Theatre.

183

Scoping Report

5.1.5 Technical Considerations / Amenities The technical specifications of the Concert Hall need to be planned with the pure intention of creating a concert hall for musical performance first and foremost. This is not a multi-purpose space by design but may be used so by application.

Consideration therefore should also commence at the purpose of the building being as a Concert Hall – not a theatre.

Technical considerations therefore include:

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5 184

‡‡

Access to backstage direct from control position without having to go through the auditorium. Control position accessible from auditorium and foyer

‡‡

Remote monitored fire alarm system with ability to isolate stage and auditorium for theatrical effects, compliant with current fire safety legislation

‡‡

Crossover corridor behind rear wall of the stage, with sound lock entry to stage at four points, prompt and OP, up and down stage

‡‡

10 amp and 3 phase power outlets located strategically around, above the stage and sub floor

‡‡

Assembly areas on side of stage

‡‡

Appropriate power to run stage lighting and equipment

‡‡

Appropriate separate power to run audio equipment

‡‡

Appropriate lighting control (dimmer racks and outlets)

‡‡

Standard audio rig, adaptable for more than simple concerts

‡‡

Up-to-date data networking across entire venue – both cabled and wireless (including separate runs for both audio and lighting, separate from the general office data run)

Current Equivalent: There is no current equivalent in northern Australia. Concert halls around the country and internationally should be researched for best standard and practice.

Section 5

Performing Arts Centre

Scoping Report

185

Scoping Report

Visualisations

Section 7

186

Section 7

Visualisations

Scoping Report

187

Scoping Report

5.2 Performing Arts Space The Performing Arts Space within the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre is intended to offer a multi-purpose medium size performance theatre to host dance, music, contemporary theatre, drama and comedy as well as rehearsal space and arts development projects.

The Performing Arts Space (which should be given a distinctive name, perhaps honouring a Townsville performing arts pioneer e.g. The Jean-Pierre Voos Theatre) is intended to excite and challenge the performing arts, and especially Townsville’s resident companies of TheatreiNQ and Dancenorth as well as the region’s contemporary musicians and multi media art forms.

This flexible and transformative space would be able to accommodate an audience of up to 350 persons. As well as serving the resident home of several professional companies it would provide a venue that would allow small and mid-sized touring companies from Australia and overseas that frequented Townsville so regularly to again have a space in which they can perform.

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5 188

The design should be a flexible space with consideration to retractable seating (eg Acromat) enabling larger floor space for rehearsal or other applications. The room does not require a stage but the sprung floor should be suitable for dance and yet capable of withstanding other performance applications.

Lighting rig and sound projection should be capable as standard to host dance and other forms with the ability to cope with larger light and sound production required by touring companies.

Access to the theatre should be independent (at both front and back of house) from any other co-located theatre or building component however shared space for box office, technical, dressing rooms, green rooms, bar and catering could be considered.

Section 5

Performing Arts Centre

Scoping Report

189

Scoping Report

5.2.1 Auditorium/Performance Space The auditorium and stage area are one. Seating (possibly retractable) should approximate 75% of the total floor area with the performance floor at 25%. Portable staging (rostra) would be used for non-dance performance. This again may be in a retractable form.

This performance floor should be a fully sprung timber floor.

Current Equivalent: The School of the Arts Theatre (Dancenorth) seats 150 and is in the configuration described above. It is a Heritage Listed building requiring substantial maintenance.

Council operates two similar performance spaces – C2 Theatre at the Townsville Civic Theatre and Riverway Performing Arts Centre. Both are black box style multi-purpose theatres but are not considered suitable for dance.

Seating 350 seat capacity.

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5 190

Comfortable ergonomically considered theatre seating in configuration that allows retraction of the seats to increase flexibility of the space. Disabled seating (including adjacent carer’s seating) must be provided at a ratio in accordance with current Australian Design Standards for Disability Access and Fire Safety evacuation legislation.

Current Equivalent: The C2 theatre at the Townsville Civic Theatre seats 240 but has no permanent seating.

Riverway Arts Centre seats 310 utilising retractable (Acromat) seating. School of the Arts seats 150.

Section 5

Performing Arts Centre

Scoping Report

191

Scoping Report

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5

192

Scoping Report

Stage The room does not require a stage but the sprung floor should be suitable for dance and yet capable of withstanding other performance applications. Portable staging (rostra) would be used for non –dance performance. This again may be in a retractable form.

Current Equivalent: Dancenorth Theatre performance floor approx. 8 x15m

Lighting Design should provide for lighting bars staged throughout the auditorium and above the performance floor. These bars should be accessed via a network of gantries and catwalks and be capable of rigging state of the art lighting including moving and LED technology, power and cabling.

A standard lighting rig should accommodate most performances, with specialist lighting able to be flown when required. Truss and chain motors should be included in the design.

Current Equivalent: Dancenorth is limited in lighting design as permanent rigging cannot be located due to heritage building restrictions.

Section 5

Lighting control should be incorporated into the sound and lighting control desk at the rear centre of the auditorium.

Performing Arts Centre

House lighting must be adjustable from full house up to intimate and performance modes.

193

Scoping Report

Visualisations

Section 7

194

Section 7

Visualisations

Scoping Report

195

Scoping Report

Acoustics / Sound Projection Acoustic design of the Performing Arts Space should give consideration to the art forms to be presented within. The space should also be free of ambient electrical and air-conditioning noise. Most of the productions within this space will use projected or amplified sound, not natural acoustics.

In terms of projected sound, the Performing Arts Space should incorporate a house PA system appropriate to the room – for announcements but also to cater for most sound reinforcement applications (soloists, speeches, small ensembles, popular music concerts).

Current Equivalent: Dancenorth has a house PA system that is adequate to current productions.

Access Points

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5 196

Patron access to the auditorium must be designed to allow quick access and egress which impacts show commencement and interval times. Sound lock entry at every patron entrance is a must allowing for uninterrupted performance. Disability access is previously mentioned and must comply with Australian standards. Seating options through the theatre for disabled patrons must be equitable – ie disabled patrons must be offered a range of seating from front row to rear of the house.

Current Equivalent: Dancenorth has poor patron and performer access.

Scoping Report

5.2.2 Back of House The back of house area for a Performing Arts Space, whilst not as spacious as required for a traditional multi-purpose theatre or a concert hall, must still however be functional and accessible for the movement of substantial equipment, instruments, staging, and numbers of people. Appropriate amenities for cast, performers and staff must be provided.

Whilst the audience’s experience of the theatre is from their seat, the performers judge the venue by its backstage facilities and the acoustics of the room. This reputation and word of mouth endorsement is a very real factor in attracting touring artists and ensembles.

Current Equivalent: Back of house facilities at Dancenorth are grossly inadequate..

‡‡

A single width (pantech or semi trailer) at minimum.

‡‡

Covered at least at the unloading point

‡‡

Proportional reversing/turning area

‡‡

Dock to be at consistent height of performance floor and connecting passageways

‡‡

Hydraulic lift platform from ground to dock height

‡‡

Sound lock from dock to stage at ceiling height

Current Equivalent:

Performing Arts Centre

Loading Dock

Section 5

Dancenorth has no loading dock facilities and load direct from a busy street frontage.

197

Scoping Report

Climate Controlled Storage Whilst the climate of the building will be dependent upon usage, constant climatically controlled storage for musical instruments must be maintained. Minimum is a concert grand piano store at 8 x 4m at a constant 42% humidity (no higher) at 22 – 24 degrees celsius.

Current Equivalent: The Townsville Civic Theatre has a small piano store barely sufficient for current piano stocks.

Technical Equipment Storage Storage space for technical equipment to include:

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5 198

‡‡

Lighting & Power Store – inc racks for hanging

‡‡

PA Store – speakers, amps, microphones, stands, leads

‡‡

Staging Store – rostra, legs, tarquet matting, props, curtains, tabs, blacks

‡‡

Furniture Store – tables , chairs, signage frames, weights, sandbags

‡‡

Props and costume storage

Current Equivalent: Dancenorth has a limited storage space inadequate for their needs.

Scoping Report

Dressing Rooms Modern dressing room facilities to be provided with normal expectations. The inclusion of Wi-Fi coverage and a communal kitchenette/lounge (as distinct from the Green Room) would be ideal.

Single and two person dressing rooms should include toilet and shower facility, other dressing rooms to utilise communal cast toilets and showers.

Dressings rooms, green rooms and other BOH facilities need to be connected to an adjustable (volume) intercom system for show calls from the Stage Manager’s Prompt desk.

Dressing Rooms to be as: ‡‡

Principal Artist Change rooms (2)

‡‡

Large size (4)

Current Equivalent:

This office space should be located BOH close to the Green Room and dressing rooms.

The room should be appointed with a desk, telephone, Wi-Fi, lounge and visitor chairs.

Current Equivalent: Dancenorth has no Tour Manager’s Office

Section 5

Touring Production Manager’s Office

Performing Arts Centre

Dancenorth has two medium size change rooms (M&F)

199

Scoping Report

Visualisations

Section 7

200

Section 7

Visualisations

Scoping Report

201

Scoping Report

Rehearsal Rooms Two rooms should be provided backstage to allow artist warm-up. These rooms should be large enough to accommodate a dance troupe of 8 – 10 people. Rooms 9 x 8m as a guide FULLY SOUNDPROOFED from the other rooms and the performance space.

Current Equivalent: Dancenorth has no such warm up space.

Green Room The artist Green Room should be provided as a lounge area appointed with kitchenette/ bar and appropriate dĂŠcor. The Green Room is not intended to accommodate an ensemble cast but should be large enough to host pre and post show gatherings of 10 people.

Ideally the Green Room should be near to the principal artist dressing room and have adjacent access to the backstage door.

Current Equivalent: Dancenorth has a communal kitchen but no Green Room.

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5 202

Sound Locks Sound Locks between all backstage areas to stage access must be provided. These locks allow quiet entry/exit of cast during performance pieces. Sound lock access upstage Prompt and OP sides of stage is required.

Current Equivalent: Dancenorth has no soundlocks.

Scoping Report

Touring Equipment Storage Often between consecutive shows bumping in and out, a lag occurs between loading and removal of touring equipment. Similarly at times equipment is on-forwarded several days before a touring company arrives to bump in. Accordingly backstage storage must be available in these instances to receive and store this. This area would also be used to store road cases during performance. A secure covered space of 10 x 5m would suffice.

Current Equivalent: Dancenorth has no dedicated production storage space.

Workshop For the building of set and staging elements (includes new materials store and design/ drafting office).

Laundry

Soundproofed and equipped with technical equipment to edit and record AV material.

Section 5

Audio Visual Edit Suite

Performing Arts Centre

Equipped with industrial washing machine and dryer, ironing and steaming facilities, clothes racks and towel storage.

203

Scoping Report

5.2.3 Front of House A patron’s experience of a night at the theatre commences well before taking their seat.

The experience – from hearing about a performance, deciding to act by purchasing a ticket, to arriving, parking, pre show drink right through to leaving the venue – must be completely seamless and enjoyable.

The design of the front of house of the Performing Arts Space must be undertaken with not just the functionality of the space, but the look and feel from the patron’s perspective.

Current Equivalent: Dancenorth front of house is cramped with a small bar area. Patrons gather pre/post show and at interval in this area and on the street front veranda.

Reception A functional small reception area, separate from the box office, would be the administrative front door of the Performing Arts Space, operating business hours.

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5 204

Box Office This needs to be a minimum two outlet counter with appropriate security and technology. As Council presently operates as an agency for national ticket agent Ticketek, it would be envisaged that the Performing Arts Space Box Office would also accommodate that service.

This Box office could be a common box office for other elements of the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre including the Concert Hall.

Scoping Report

Cloakroom This facility should be within the main foyer, close but separate to the box office. Storage in racks, bins and hangers would be needed, with a counter top service point.

Front of House Manager’s Office This small office, located within the foyer is a base for the theatre FOH staff (ushers, attendants, security). It is a room for staff to attend briefings, be issued with radios and instructions and for them to securely store personal items whilst they are on shift. It is also a place for receipt of lost/found items during and post performance.

Bar/Catering

An exclusive “members� bar would be a viable addition, adding to patron loyalty schemes and memberships.

Catering needs to add to the patron experience providing snack and post show style food through to premium dining experiences.

Section 5

There may be one bar servicing the entire complex, or several bars servicing areas separately. Centralised stock storage, glassware, refrigeration, post mix etc would aid efficiency.

Performing Arts Centre

The patron bar/s need to be designed for quick service, particularly at interval. With 350 patrons to be served within a 20 minute turnaround, length of bars and location of dispensing and paying points are important.

205

Scoping Report

Visualisations

Section 7

206

Section 7

Visualisations

Scoping Report

207

Scoping Report

Retail/Merchandise Space A retail outlet, adjacent to the box office would not only market general North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre merchandise, but would also be available to promoters for merchandise sales (on normal commission arrangements). Programs, CD’s and memorabilia are often available, with performer meet and greets generally occurring in this area.

Other FOH Considerations: Apart from the specific FOH areas listed above, design of the Performing Arts Space FOH should also consider:

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5 208

‡‡

Storage space for equipment and furnishings

‡‡

A small meeting room to be used for staff and production meetings

‡‡

Staff Amenities – crib room, lockers, toilets and showers

‡‡

Cleaners room

‡‡

House public address system in the foyer

‡‡

CCTV surveillance throughout

‡‡

Security and fire monitoring

Scoping Report

5.2.4 Administration The Performing Arts Space will require an administration area accessible independently from the main foyer, via reception. This office space needs to accommodate up to four administrative staff and include: ‡‡

A suite of offices for Manager, Admin/Finance Officer, Artistic Director as well as support staff

‡‡

Separate rooms for marketing collateral, printing and stationery, IT and a medium size meeting room

‡‡

Staff facilities including toilets, showers, crib room, lockers

Current Equivalent:

Section 5

Performing Arts Centre

Dancenorth operate from a small office within the building with 4 work stations.

209

Scoping Report

5.2.5 Technical Considerations/Amenities The technical specifications of the Performing Arts Space need to be planned with the intention of creating a multi-purpose, multi-disciplinary performance facility.

Technical considerations therefore include:

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5 210

‡‡

Access to backstage direct from control position without having to go through the auditorium. Control position accessible from auditorium and foyer

‡‡

Remote monitored fire alarm system with ability to isolate the room for theatrical effects, compliant with current fire safety legislation

‡‡

Crossover corridor behind rear wall of the performance floor, with sound lock entry to the performance floor at two points, prompt and OP, upstage

‡‡

10 amp and 3 phase power outlets located strategically around and above the performance floor

‡‡

Assembly areas on side or rear of the performance space

‡‡

Appropriate power to run lighting and equipment

‡‡

Appropriate separate power to run audio equipment

‡‡

Appropriate lighting control (dimmer racks and outlets)

‡‡

Standard audio rig, adaptable for more than simple concerts

‡‡

Up to date data networking across entire venue – both cabled and wireless (including separate runs for both audio and lighting, separate from the general office data run)

Current Equivalent: School of the Arts building, C2 Theatre and Riverway Arts Centre all have inadequacies described earlier in this Report and are all fully utilised to capacity.

Section 6

Performing Arts Centre

Scoping Report

211

Scoping Report

5.2.6 Minimum Spatial Dimensions/Requirements - At A Glance

Concert Hall total size: 3,834.5m2 Performing Arts Space total size: 3,086.5m2 The following specifications provide a quick overview of the spatial requirements for each aspect of the Performing Arts Centre. The detail provided is ascertained on the operational spaces required to meet the standards of a modern Concert Hall and Performing Arts Space and allow for the expansion of activities currently delivered within the Townsville region.

The dimensions provided have been compared against current existing amenities within Performing Arts and accordingly provides a modest increase in scope to current services.

The need for such spatial provision has clearly been demonstrated in previous reports and the following guide presents the MINIMUM standards for such a facility to ensure the building meets current needs and allows for future growth in service delivery.

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5 212

A number of spatial allocations within the Performing Arts Centre have been recognised as potential “shared-use” spaces within the facility. These spaces have the following notation [*] assigned to indicate a potential “shared-use” space. The “shareduse” spaces are, essentially, a duplication in service requirements from one institution to another and consequently represent the opportunity to maximise the building’s use to incorporate such spaces and therefore minimise the overall size and build cost of the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre as a whole.

To review the total spatial dimensions of “shared-use” spaces refer to Section 7: Spatial Requirements Overview.

Scoping Report

Concert Hall: 700 Seat Auditorium and Stage Overview

FUNCTION

MINIMUM WALL HEIGHT

MINIMUM SQUARE METRES

MINIMUM CUBIC METRES

SIZE (LxW)

NUMBER

Auditorium

14m

990m2

13 860m3

33x30m

1

Stage

14m

396m2

5 544m3

22x18m

1

1 386m2

19 404m3

TOTAL: AUDITORIUM and STAGE

2

MINIMUM WALL HEIGHT

MINIMUM SQUARE METRES

MINIMUM CUBIC METRES

NUMBER

Personnel Offices (Includes AFCM)

3m

200m2

600m3

1

Meeting Room

3m

30m2

90m3

2

Personnel Lunchroom and Kitchen[*]

3m

200m2

600m3

1

Managers Office

3.5m

40m2

140m3

1

Boardroom

3.5m

50m2

175m3

1

Copy Centre

3m

40m2

120m3

1

Storage

3m

20m2

60m3

1

610m2 ‡

1 875m3‡

8

TOTAL: ADMINISTRATION

‡ Includes total area for multiples of rooms

Section 5

FUNCTION

Performing Arts Centre

Concert Hall: Administration Overview

213

Scoping Report

Concert Hall: Front of House Overview

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5 214

FUNCTION

MINIMUM WALL HEIGHT

MINIMUM SQUARE METRES

MINIMUM CUBIC METRES

NUMBER

Front Lobby[*]

7m

210m2

1 470m3

1

FOH Stores[*]

3.5m

40m2

140m3

2

Public Lobby[*]

7m

105m2

735m3

1

Emergency Lobby[*]

7m

105m2

735m3

1

Ticket Office[*]

3.5m

20m2

70m3

1

Bar[*]

3.5m

264m2

924m3

1

Staff Amenities[*]

3.5m

48m2

168m3

1

Reception[*]

4m

96m2

384m3

1

Meeting Room[*]

4m

35m2

140m3

1

Cloakroom[*]

3m

20m2

60m3

1

983m2 ‡

4 966m3 ‡

11

TOTAL: FRONT OF HOUSE

‡ Includes total area for multiples of rooms

Scoping Report

MINIMUM WALL HEIGHT

MINIMUM SQUARE METRES

MINIMUM CUBIC METRES

SIZE (LxW)

NUMBER

Small Storage[*]

4m

9m2

36m3

3x3m

4

Medium Storage[*]

4m

20m2

80m3

5x4m

1

Piano Store[*]

3m

15m2

45m3

5x3m

1

Backstage Stores[*]

4m

18m2

72m3

6x3m

4

Large Female Change Rooms

4m

21m2

84m3

7x3m

4

Medium Female Change Rooms

4m

18m2

72m3

6x3m

4

Large Male Change Rooms

4m

21m2

84m3

7x3m

4

Medium Male Change Rooms

4m

18m2

72m3

6x3m

4

Leading Artist Change Rooms

4m

15m2

60m3

5x3m

2

Small Soundlocks (Stage Rear)

3.2m

4.5m2

14.4m3

3x1.5m

2

Medium Soundlocks (Amphitheatre)

3.2m

52.5m2

168m3

15x3.5m

2

Large Soundlocks (Amphitheatre)

3.2m

57.75m2

184.8m3

16.5x3.5m

2

Manufacturing Workshop[*]

3.5m

80m2

280m3

-

1

Laundry[*]

3.5m

28m2

98m3

7x4m

1

Touring Company Admin[*]

4m

33m2

132m3

5.5x6m

1

855.5m2 ‡

3 169.4m3 ‡

-

37

TOTAL: BACK OF HOUSE

Section 5

FUNCTION

Performing Arts Centre

Concert Hall: Back of House Overview

‡ Includes total area for multiples of rooms 215

Scoping Report

Performing Arts Centre

Section 6

216

Scoping Report

Performing Arts Space: 300 Seat Auditorium and Stage Overview

FUNCTION

MINIMUM WALL HEIGHT

MINIMUM SQUARE METRES

MINIMUM CUBIC METRES

SIZE (LxW)

NUMBER

Auditorium

14m

550m2

7 700m3

25x22m

1

Stage

14m

200m2

2 800m3

10x20m

1

750m2

10 500m3

TOTAL: AUDITORIUM and STAGE

2

MINIMUM WALL HEIGHT

MINIMUM SQUARE METRES

MINIMUM CUBIC METRES

NUMBER

Personnel Offices (Dance Company)

3m

100m2

300m3

1

Personnel Offices (Theatre Company)

3m

100m2

300m3

1

Personnel Lunchroom and Kitchen[*]

3m

200m2

600m3

1

Meeting Room

3m

30m2

90m3

1

Storage

3m

20m2

60m3

2

470m2 ‡

1 410m3‡

6

TOTAL: ADMINISTRATION

‡ Includes total area for multiples of rooms

Section 5

FUNCTION

Performing Arts Centre

Performing Arts Space: Administration Overview

217

Scoping Report

Performing Arts Space: Front of House Overview

Performing Arts Centre

Section 5 218

FUNCTION

MINIMUM WALL HEIGHT

MINIMUM SQUARE METRES

MINIMUM CUBIC METRES

NUMBER

Front Lobby[*]

7m

210m2

1 470m3

1

FOH Stores[*]

3.5m

40m2

140m3

2

Public Lobby[*]

7m

105m2

735m3

1

Emergency Lobby[*]

7m

105m2

735m3

1

Ticket Office[*]

3.5m

20m2

70m3

1

Bar[*]

3.5m

264m2

924m3

1

Staff Amenities[*]

3.5m

48m2

168m3

1

Reception[*]

4m

96m2

384m3

1

Meeting Room[*]

4m

35m2

140m3

1

Cloakroom[*]

3m

20m2

60m3

1

983m2 ‡

4 966m3 ‡

11

TOTAL: FRONT OF HOUSE

‡ Includes total area for multiples of rooms

Scoping Report

MINIMUM WALL HEIGHT

MINIMUM SQUARE METRES

MINIMUM CUBIC METRES

SIZE (LxW)

NUMBER

Small Storage[*]

4m

9m2

36m3

3x3m

4

Medium Storage[*]

4m

20m2

80m3

5x4m

1

Piano Store[*]

3m

15m2

45m3

5x3m

1

Backstage Stores[*]

4m

18m2

72m3

6x3m

4

Large Female Change Rooms

4m

21m2

84m3

7x3m

2

Large Male Change Rooms

4m

21m2

84m3

7x3m

2

Green Room

4m

70m2

280m3

7x10m

1

Technical/Running Staff Room

4m

38.5m2

154m3

7x5.5m

1

Bridge Project Room

4m

33m2

132m3

5.5x6m

1

Small Soundlocks (Stage Rear)

3.2m

4.5m2

14.4m3

3x1.5m

2

Medium Soundlocks (Amphitheatre)

3.2m

52.5m2

168m3

15x3.5m

2

Large Soundlocks (Amphitheatre)

3.2m

57.75m2

184.8m3

16.5x3.5m

2

Manufacturing Workshop[*]

3.5m

80m2

280m3

-

1

Laundry[*]

3.5m

28m2

98m3

7x4m

1

Rehearsal Space (Dance Company)

5m

72m2

360m3

9x8m

1

Rehearsal Space (Theatre Company)

5m

72m2

360m3

9x8m

1

AV Storage

4m

16m2

64m3

4x4m

1

AV Editing Studio

3.5m

17.5m2

61m3

5x3.5m

1

883.5m2 ‡

3 416.4m3 ‡

-

29

TOTAL: BACK OF HOUSE

Section 5

FUNCTION

Performing Arts Centre

Performing Arts Space: Back of House Overview

‡ Includes total area for multiples of rooms 219

Scoping Report

220

Scoping Report

221

Scoping Report

6. Community and Commercial Amenities The North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre would be an undeniably vibrant hive of arts and cultural activity. Positioning such a centre in a way that it could also benefit from and showcase tenanted community organisations and ancillary commercial amenities alongside the major cultural institutions would be a masterstroke.

6.1 Proposed Vision Worldwide, the cultural/creative sector is recognised as an important element of the knowledge economy, acting as a significant employer and revenue generator. When supported by appropriate infrastructure and correctly harnessed, knowledge and intellectual property are sizeable economic assets.

Community and Commercial Amenities

Section 6 222

The opportunity for Townsville to strategically harness and support this development within our region cannot be understated. In addition to a flagship North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre an “artshub” of aggregated cultural/creative industries would play an equally important role in the beating heart of a creative city.

A thriving creative sector, in turn, generates an exciting, stimulating city with great lifestyles, amenities, and rich cultural and social environments. Such a vibrant environment then attracts more creative thinkers, innovators and knowledge-economy entrepreneurs across the whole economy.

The North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre is envisaged as the key public offering in the cultural/creative precinct, an institution which aims to achieve status as a national and arguably an international cultural and tourist destination.

A primary objective of the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre would be to respond to the current Townsville region community’s call for an expanded “artshub” and establish a benchmark facility which underpins an aggregated cultural/creative precinct comprised of dynamic and active community spaces, creative industries, green spaces, workshops, galleries, studios, and retail and commercial interests.

Scoping Report

This strategy would again contribute to the precinct’s iconic nature and national appeal, and suitably celebrate Townsville’s beautiful natural environs. Such careful positioning could, for instance, allow for the development of adjoining river walks and scenic leisure zones in which visitors could take the family, exercise, enjoy the natural environment, relax and experience some downtime from the available activities, meet friends, and comfortably enjoy food from nearby eateries.

Importantly, this revitalisation would also encourage more regional, national and international tourist visitors to spend time and money in Townsville’s CBD. It would also attract and retain new corporations, businesses and skilled people as residents, who would perceive Townsville as a vibrant place to live, work and recreate.

Wet and Dry Workshops

‡‡

Leasable Artist and Creative Design Studios

‡‡

Café/Bar/Restaurants

‡‡

Ancillary Administration

‡‡

Civic Function Amenity

‡‡

Community Exhibition Galleries

Managed well, this strategy (or model) can yield far greater benefits for the Townsville region rather than relying on fragmented and “silo” based solutions which ultimately become scattered throughout the city.

Creative industries influence economic growth. Townsville, like many cities, recognises the impact that a strong cultural base has on the region’s economy, particularly in terms of tourism and regional identity. The creative industries are a significant platform on which Townsville can position and brand itself, amalgamating cultural identity and economic growth. Exploiting an opportunity to locate creative industries within the cultural/creative precinct would provide a unique platform to harness the commercial potential of this important part of our economic sector. Design studios, fashion houses, photographic studios, independent print and publication businesses, arts collectives, etc. actively visible within the precinct and able to leverage commercial opportunities through considered engagement with visitors, tenants and the wider community.

Section 6

‡‡

Community and Commercial Amenities

The Community and Commercial Amenities will accommodate the following:

223

Scoping Report

Encouraging the creative industries is one of the most powerful means of enhancing the city’s identity and distinctiveness, while simultaneously creating employment and generating social capital. In a world where every place is beginning to feel and look the same, cultural products and activities mark one place from the next. Tangible differences create competitive advantage.

Traditionally, cultural activity and the commercial creative industries enjoy a symbiotic relationship through project development, presentation, inspiration and employment opportunities. In order to respond to this accepted relationship and improve local collaboration it is recommended provision be made for the commercial lease accommodation of local creative industries within an aggregated cultural/creative precinct.

A location of such dynamism and prestige would be a beacon for those creative industries seeking a home, and the industry would enjoy the benefits of increased patronage and ease of access to cultural activity.

Community and Commercial Amenities

Section 6 224

The consideration of the creative industries within the development of the precinct would: • Provide a dynamic melting pot of rich and diverse resources and talent • Provide an inspiring environment that promotes and encourages cultural and creative industries • Attract and retain creative industry businesses • Provide a strong arts sector connected to the creative industries • Establish the leading hub of North Queensland’s creative industries • Foster relative enterprises emerging across and out of Townsville’s culturally diverse population Residing cultural organisations would also be positioned to develop prosperous relationships with various commercial creatives that would improve their level of service delivery and professionalism of image.

In successful precincts, these two elements of community and content are highly complementary, linked by an idea that focuses and aligns the whole enterprise.

Community cultural delivery benefits from access to unique content; this content is contextualised and made more accessible by being linked to place and people. This integrated approach provides a high quality attraction for a wider audience and uses strategic relationships to maximise the use of existing capabilities and investment by government and other project partners.

Scoping Report

6.2 Minimum Building Requirements

Wet Workshops[*] Dedicated wet workshop space/s will allow North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre tenants to conduct children’s and adult workshops using common and recognised art mediums and techniques.

Dry Workshops[**] A dedicated dry workshop space will allow North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre tenants to conduct children’s and adult workshops using common and recognised art mediums and techniques.

These workshops are part of the general core service delivery of community organisations, contribute significantly to visitation by attracting an active and engaged audience, and result in professional development outcomes for the community’s emerging and established artists.

Section 6

The dry workshop space would allow for more in-depth and comprehensive workshops presented by recognised tutors and artists, exploring mediums such as pencil, charcoal or pastel drawing, photography, and specific printmaking and sculpture techniques.

Community and Commercial Amenities

These workshops are part of the general core service delivery of community organisations, contribute significantly to visitation by attracting an active and engaged audience, and result in professional development outcomes for the community’s emerging and established artists. The wet workshop space/s would allow for more in-depth and comprehensive workshops presented by recognised tutors and artists, exploring mediums such as paint, printmaking, and ceramics.

[*]

Workshop spaces available for all organisations

[**] Workshop spaces available for all organisations

225

Scoping Report

Leasable Artist and Creative Design Studios Townsville and the wider north Queensland region is home to a vast number of independent arts practitioners (be they emerging or established) and small to medium craft organisations.

By the very nature of the arts and craft industry, these individuals and craft organisations require creative working spaces in order to produce new artworks and craft items that contribute to the region’s creative economy and social value and, in effect, market Townsville to a wider national audience.

As with the community and commercial galleries, appropriate and affordable working spaces are often difficult for individuals and organisations to source, hampering the development of new works and therefore the level of arts and cultural product being generated in the Townsville region.

This is due to: Community and Commercial Amenities

Section 6 226

• The distinct lack of suitable studio spaces available in Townsville to suit specialist mediums such as painting studios, sculpture studios, various printing presses and studios, area for glass fabrication and ceramic arts, etc.

• Commercial lease/rent costs making suitable spaces unavailable to this section of the community By appropriately valuing the contribution of the region’s artists and craft organisations, it is recommended independent and shared studio spaces be made available for short-term lease at affordable rates to suit specialist mediums and ‘gritty’ activity.

This strategy would prompt the creation of more arts and craft material locally, with probable national marketing for the region as an arts centre being affected by the wide proliferation of these materials. These spaces would also provide arts and cultural institutions within the aggregated cultural/creative precinct the currently implausible opportunity to conduct artist residencies.

Scoping Report

Most importantly, these studio spaces would be visible to the public, allowing visitors to get a ‘behind the scenes’ insight into the production of various types of art, and substantially contributing to the interesting array of activity conducted within an aggregated cultural/creative precinct.

Notable and highly successful national examples of visible artists’ studios and craft organisations held within public precincts include Canberra Glassworks, Adelaide’s JAM Factory which features a viewing platform above a glass and ceramic kiln and studio space, and Sydney’s Carriageworks.

Such core fittings and considerations will include lighting (availability of natural lighting and the ability to control it, along with electrical fittings), security locks and measures, plumbing and sinks, all hours access to bathroom amenities within the building, internet/WiFi capability, and considered placement of power points.

It is essential that the spaces remain adaptable, and as such each studio is to be fitted with only the core requirements of a studio to enable it to be fitted out by the tenant to best suit their needs – whether that be a large void with ample natural light for a painter to create large canvases, or a creative office environment with several desks and reception for graphic and commercial design agencies.

The provision of a number of small to medium-sized Leasable Artist and Creative Design Studios will address a lack of suitably sized, located, and priced creative spaces currently available in Townsville. The co-location of these studios will help to further stimulate the local creative economy and encourage collaboration between artists and arts practices.

Such successful models are often seen in leading arts universities around the world.

Section 6

These studios will be equipped to service the basic needs of a broad range of creative practitioners, from visual artists working in a variety of mediums; to advertising, graphic and commercial design agencies; publishers; fashion designers; photographers; small film studios; sound artists and musicians to name a few.

Community and Commercial Amenities

Provision is to be made for the inclusion of small to medium-sized Artist and Creative Design Studios that are available for lease to suitable members of the community and corporate tenants.

227

Scoping Report

Community and Commercial Amenities

Section 7

228

Scoping Report

Ancillary Administration Spaces Administration facilities are to be leased to community organisations and creative commercial organisations to support the delivery of a broad range of top-class events and products in the region.

These office spaces are to include lighting (availability of natural lighting and the ability to control it, along with electrical fittings), security locks and measures, plumbing and sinks, all hours access to bathroom amenities within the building, internet/WiFi capability, and considered placement of power points.

Civic Function Amenity As a centrepiece of Townsville’s Waterfront Precinct, the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre in Central Park is the prime location to include a Civic Function Amenity. Overlooking the water and co-located with breathtaking exhibitions and cultural offerings, the building will become a destination and serves as the best platform from which to showcase Townsville.

An incorporated Civic Function Amenity could therefore be used for civic receptions, trade and cultural delegations, industry awards or networking functions, or by external hirers. The Amenity would be fully equipped for function capabilities, including kitchen/ catering requirements and access to adjoining or nearby restrooms.

Section 6

These spaces may also be preferred by creative commercial tenants such as graphic and commercial design agencies, and publishers, depending on the size/needs of their firm and the availability of the Leasable Artist and Creative Design Studios.

Community and Commercial Amenities

Tenants will be able to fit their Administration facility with office furniture and necessary equipment to best suit the needs and size of their organisation. Examples of organisations who could occupy Administration facilities within the building include the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, and Dancenorth, both of which would make use of the theatre/performance/concert hall spaces within the building and would therefore benefit from conducting their administrative duties in close proximity to the delivery of their core product.

229

Scoping Report

Community Exhibition Galleries Perhaps the most vocal and proactive campaigners for the development of an aggregated cultural/creative precinct – or “artshub” – has been the local visual arts community, and specifically those involved with local arts institutions, community and commercial galleries.

Such organisations and galleries include Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts, Studio 2, the North Queensland Potters’ Assoc. Inc., Townsville Art Society, Art on Kings studio/ gallery, Sylvia Ditchburn Fine Art, to name a few.

These organisations and galleries are much loved and valued within the community, but all - to varying degrees - face significant challenges to secure homes in suitable locations to attract necessary market share and visitation.

Community and Commercial Amenities

Section 6 230

Such an example is the North Queensland Potters’ Assoc. Inc.; previously operating a studio and shop in Flinders Mall, a move to suburban residential alternatives has been necessitated due to prohibitive rent, despite the popularity of the ceramic arts as evidenced by recent exhibitions presented by Gallery Services.

It is felt an aggregated cultural/creative precinct would be an ideal option to provide attractive and affordable locations for many of these community and commercial galleries.

Similarly, the ‘pooling’ of these organisations within one precinct would benefit each as they would share and contribute to building, rather than compete for, market share and visitation.

The aggregated cultural/creative precinct and Townsville generally would enjoy reciprocal benefits from the housing of such organisations and community and commercial galleries, such as: • Increased collaboration between Townsville’s creative arts and cultural organisations and practitioners • Facilitating the production of new work • Contribution to the variety and vitality of activity within the wider aggregated cultural/creative precinct for the enjoyment of locals and visitors to the region alike

Scoping Report

Through the multiple exhibitions on display in the Art Gallery of North Queensland, within the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre, visitors will be exposed to captivating, inspirational, moving and informative displays.

Visitors will be provided with additional experiences, and a greater insight into the work being created by the Townsville region’s own artists, through the incorporation of additional Community Exhibition Galleries within the building.

Lighting will be the most critical consideration for these spaces to meet industry standards, and to allow the flexible use of the space for exhibition displays. The incorporation of a broad range of Community Exhibition Galleries will further establish the North Queensland Arts Centre as a dynamic space appealing to all audiences, with tenants adding to the vitality of the Centre through their own exhibitions and programming, while benefitting from increased audiences stemming from the prestige of the building and shared audiences.

Large Community Exhibition Gallery Size: 300m² Large Community Exhibition Galleries are those that would be suitable to meet the needs of organisations such as Umbrella Studio contemporary arts; that being an organisation that delivers a program of numerous exhibitions in several distinct spaces, services hundreds of artists each year, and requires administration facilities for several staff. Sufficient space for programming is also required, however this could be mitigated to a degree through the tenant’s use of shared workshop facilities within the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre.

Section 6

As with other spaces, core fittings and considerations will include lighting (availability of natural lighting and the ability to control it, along with electrical fittings), security locks and measures, plumbing and sinks, all hours access to bathroom amenities within the building, internet/WiFi capability, and considered placement of power points.

Community and Commercial Amenities

It is proposed that small, medium, and large Community Exhibition Galleries be included within the facility, and made available for lease by community organisations and artists. All gallery spaces are self-contained, including necessary administration and backof-house spaces for the respective galleries.

231

Scoping Report

Medium Community Exhibition Gallery Size: 200m² Medium Community Exhibition Galleries are those that would be suitable for Artist-Run-Initiatives or community groups, such as PressNorth, to regularly showcase the works of a modest membership base, and provide a basic administration facility for a President or Treasurer, etc. to conduct business.

Minimal space for programming would also be required, and could be within the exhibition space itself depending on preferences – i.e. a printing press for workshops, master classes or demonstrations by group members.

Small Community Exhibition Gallery Size: 100m²

Community and Commercial Amenities

Section 6 232

Small Community Exhibition Galleries are those that could be utilised by solo artists (or an organised group of solo artists) to showcase their work on a monthly rotational basis, or by a small community/commercial gallerist displaying semiregular shows of represented local artists. Such examples include Sylvia Ditchburn Fine Art Gallery, which delivers a program of approximately 12 exhibitions per year within a modest space, which includes admin and back of house facilities for 1-2 staff members.

Space for programming is not required as launches could be held within the gallery itself, and other programs such as workshops could be catered to through the booking of shared-use workshop facilities within the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre.

Section 7

Community and Commercial Amenities

Scoping Report

233

Scoping Report

Community and Commercial Amenities

Section 7

234

Scoping Report

Restaurants, Bars and Cafés Townsville’s local hospitality industry, as with the tourism/accommodation industry, would be greatly advantaged by being situated in close proximity to an aggregated cultural/creative precinct.

A hub of activity such as the one proposed would draw local workers and practitioners to the area on a daily basis. This, combined with high rates of tourist visitation, would result in increased levels of patronage for nearby restaurants, bars and cafés.

The result would be a strengthened local economy, attraction of temporary and permanent residents to the region, and improved national perception of Townsville as a destination with enjoyable social lifestyle options.

Section 6

This strategy of integrating a range of eateries and bars within/nearby to an aggregated cultural/creative precinct would see Townsville compete with similar areas of diverse social and lifestyle options already operating in metropolitan centres such as Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Community and Commercial Amenities

Dynamic programs of activity delivered by various organisations within the precinct, particularly at night, would also position the location as Townsville’s primary social and recreational destination. It would therefore be mutually beneficial to the precinct and the hospitality industry to establish nearby restaurants, bars and cafés.

235

Scoping Report

Atrium and Outdoor Civic Spaces The benefits of parks and developed outdoor civic spaces are significant to strengthening a community; whether it is touching the lives of its residents, improving physical and psychological health, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious urban environment, and general beautification of significant developments.

Townsville is home to a number of significant and treasured parks and civic spaces, including Queens Gardens, the Palmetum, and Anzac Park. Through development of The Strand and Riverway particularly, there is strong evidence of the community and tourist benefit of such spaces, and how similarly significant parks and developed civic spaces could be incorporated into an aggregated cultural/creative precinct.

Community and Commercial Amenities

Section 6 236

Developments such as Green Square in Sydney demonstrate the move towards such spaces sympathetically including parks and outdoor civic spaces – a move that is responsive to the needs and wants of the wider community in light of environmental concerns facing this generation. Such developments also provide scope/opportunity for unique and interesting use of the parks and outdoor civic spaces by various arts and cultural organisations within the precinct (and external bodies); be it for the presentation of art or performances or the staging of programs and activities.

Scoping Report

Retail, Café/Restaurant[*] Cafés and restaurants are synonymous with cultural institutions around the world. In building an North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre and expanded cultural/ creative precinct, Townsville would be positioning itself to attract significant cultural tourism.

The incorporation of retail, café/restaurant would be appropriate to meet the expectations of tourists. Further, this amenity would contribute to the facility becoming an inclusive destination for locals to recreate, and for some to enjoy business meetings.

Section 6

Community and Commercial Amenities

With this anticipated visitation, the café/restaurant would provide an additional revenue stream for the facility. It is recommended that Council secure this revenue stream in the form of a lease of retail, café/restaurant spaces to businesses with demonstrated experience.

[*]

Potential to service entire North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre facility

237

Scoping Report

6.2.1 Minimum Spatial Dimensions/Requirements - At A Glance

Community and Commcercial Amenities total size: 4,505m2 The following specifications provide a quick overview of the spatial requirements for each aspect of the Community and Commercial Amenities. The detail provided is ascertained on the operational spaces required to meet the standards of a dynamic “arts hub” with ancillary community and commercial function.

The need for such spatial provision has clearly been demonstrated in previous reports and the following guide presents the MINIMUM standards for such a facility to ensure the building meets current needs and allows for future growth in service delivery.

Community and Commercial Amenities

Section 6 238

A number of spatial allocations within the Community and Commercial Amenities have been recognised as potential “shared-use” spaces within the facility. These spaces have the following notation [*] assigned to indicate a potential “shared-use” space.

The “shared-use” spaces are, essentially, a duplication in service requirements from one institution to another and consequently represent the opportunity to maximise the building’s use to incorporate such spaces and therefore minimise the overall size and build cost of the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre as a whole.

To review the total spatial dimensions of “shared-use” spaces refer to Section 7: Spatial Requirements Overview.

Scoping Report

MINIMUM WALL HEIGHT

MINIMUM SQUARE METRES

MINIMUM CUBIC METRES

MINIMUM LINEAR METRES

NUMBER

Wet Workshop space[*]

3.5m

120m2

240m3

-

2

Dry Workshop space[*]

3.5m

120m2

240m3

-

2

Artist and Creative Design Studios

3m

75m2

375m3

-

5

Ancillary Administration Spaces

3m

75m2

450m3

-

6

Civic Funtion Room[*]

4m

300m2

-

-

1

Community Exhibition Gallery (Large)

4m

300m2

-

-

1

Community Exhibition Gallery (Medium)

4m

200m2

400m3

-

2

Community Exhibition Gallery (Small)

4m

100m2

400m3

-

4

Restuarant/Bar/Cafe

4m

250m2

750m3

-

3

Retail[*]

4m

250m2

-

1

Atrium/Outdoor Civic Space[*]

3.5m

800m2

-

-

1

4 505m2 ‡

TBD

TBD

28

TOTAL: COMMUNITY & COMMERCIAL AMENITIES

‡ Includes total area for multiples of rooms

Section 6

FUNCTION

Community and Commercial Amenities

Community and Commercial Amenities Overview

239

Scoping Report

Visualisations

Section 7

240

Section 7

Visualisations

Scoping Report

241

Scoping Report

6.3 Additional Considerations The following considerations have been included as a guide indicating the types of “adjoining” spaces viewed as important to the contextualisation of the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre within The Waterfront project. As the major cultural centre in Northern Australia it is paramount that the adjacent surrounds of the North Queensland Arts Centre reflect and reinforce the primacy of the Cultural and Entertainment Precinct holistically.

Moving Image/Film Wall/s A Moving Image/Film Wall/s within the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre flagship facility and cultural/creative precinct is required to conduct public displays of cutting edge moving image and film-based artwork.

Community and Commercial Amenities

Section 6 242

The Wall/s would also enable the staging of planned ‘Summer Screenings’ program, detailed in the Visual Arts Strategy under the ‘Creative Spaces’ theme; increased collaboration with James Cook University through their Bachelor of New Media Arts; and possible involvement in a Digital Projection Festival.

It is envisaged that these Moving Image/Film Wall/s, together with other forms of public art, would contribute significantly to the development of ‘place’ in establishing an iconic and progressive cultural/creative arts precinct.

Free Patron Parking An adequate amount of free car parking would be required to adjoin the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre and cultural/creative precinct.

The community and tourists should be encouraged to visit the precinct in order to confirm its status as an iconic and important cultural destination in Townsville.

Obstacles to this visitation – such as the lack of provision for parking on-site, or the requirement of patrons to pay to park – are potentially detrimental to the vision for and intent of any new facility.

Section 7

Community and Commercial Amenities

Scoping Report

243

Scoping Report

Green Areas and Parkland incorporating Public Art Distinct and developed Green Areas and Parkland would contribute to the iconic nature of the precinct through the well-considered incorporation of Public Art. All tenants of and nearby businesses to an aggregated cultural/creative precinct would be beneficiaries of initiatives to make the space instantly recognisable within a local, state, national and international context. Striking, sympathetic and relevant Public Artworks built into Green Areas and Parkland is an accepted and successful model towards achieving this goal.

Examples of notable Australian Green Areas and Parkland incorporating Public Art that contribute to the recognition and celebration of a wider precinct include: • Donna Marcus’ Steam in Brisbane Square • Janet Laurence and Fiona Foley’s Edge of the Trees outside the Museum of Sydney • Inge King’s Forward Surge sculpture at the Melbourne Art Centre • Brian Robinson’s Woven Fish on the Cairns Esplanade Community and Commercial Amenities

Section 6 244

• Marguerite Derricourt’s A Day Out sculptures in Adelaide’s Rundle Mall Following the development of Green Areas and Parkland incorporating Public Art, opportunities would exist for the creation of ‘trails’ for visitors to locate, identify, learn about and enjoy the artworks. Further, opportunities would exist for local artists to compete for public art commissions, strengthening the sustainability of Townsville’s visual arts sector.

Functional Public Art would also ideally be explored within these areas to marry the usability of the space with the overall artistic vision of the precinct.

Section 7

Community and Commercial Amenities

Scoping Report

245

Scoping Report

Community and Commercial Amenities

Section 7

246

Scoping Report

River walks and scenic leisure zones An aggregated cultural/creative precinct would be an undeniably vibrant hive of arts and cultural activity. Positioning such a centre in a way that it could also benefit from and showcase Townsville’s idyllic landscape and weather would be a masterstroke.

This strategy would again contribute to the precinct’s iconic nature and national appeal, and suitably celebrate Townsville’s beautiful natural environs. Such careful positioning could, for instance, allow for the development of adjoining river walks and scenic leisure zones in which visitors could take the family, exercise, enjoy the natural environment, relax and experience some down time from the available activities, meet friends, and comfortably enjoy food from nearby eateries.

Section 6

Community and Commercial Amenities

Importantly, this revitalisation would also encourage more regional, national and international tourist visitors to spend time and money in Townsville’s CBD. It would also attract and retain new corporations, businesses and skilled people as residents, who would perceive Townsville as a vibrant place to live, work and recreate.

247

Scoping Report

Visualisations

Section 7

248

Section 7

Visualisations

Scoping Report

249

Scoping Report

7. Spatial Requirements Overview The following tables provide a quick reference overview of the total minimum squared metres for each of the institutions and a summary matrix of the identified shared-use spaces within the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre as a whole.

As previously discussed, the Scoping Report has identified a number of shared-use spaces within the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre that, if constructed holistically, would result in a substantial decrease in the overall footprint of the building.

The spatial economy identified would realise a decrease of 2,742m2 in the overall build, therefore reducing the building footprint from 20,175m2 to 17,433m2.

Spatial Requirements Overview

Section 7 250

Scoping Report

North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre Overview

FUNCTION

MINIMUM SQUARE METRES

Art Gallery of North Queensland

5 178m2

CityLibraries: Main Branch

3 570m2

Concert Hall

3 835m2

Performing Arts Space

3 087m2

Community and Commercial Amenities

4 505m2

‡Does not account for reduction in scope due to Shared/Duplicate Spaces

Spatial Requirements Overview

20 175m2 ‡

Section 7

TOTAL: NORTH QUEENSLAND ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTRE

251

Scoping Report

North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre: Shared/Duplicate Space Overview

Spatial Requirements Overview

Section 7 252

ART GALLERY OF NORTH QUEENSLAND

CONCERT HALL

PERFORMING ARTS SPACE

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Performing Arts Centre Front Lobby

•

•

Performing Arts Centre Public Lobby

•

•

Performing Arts Centre FOH Stores

•

•

FUNCTION

CITYLIBARIES: MAIN BRANCH

Kids Space Gallery

•

•

Social History Gallery

•

•

Institutional Retail

•

•

Members Lounge

•

Cinematheque / Lecture Space

•

•

Kids Interactive Space

•

•

Youth Lounge / Programs Space

•

•

Art Collection Storage

•

•

Research / Artwork Viewing Room

•

•

Preservation Workshop

•

•

Photographic Artwork Capture Room

•

•

Loading Dock [Registration]

•

Manufacturing Workshop[*]

•

•

Laundry[*] Personnel Lunchroom and Ktchen

•

•

COMMUNITY & COMMERCIAL

•

Scoping Report

North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre: Shared/Duplicate Space Overview, cont’d PERFORMING ARTS SPACE

Performing Arts Centre Emergency Lobby

•

•

Ticket Office

•

•

Bar

•

•

Performing Arts Centre FOH Staff Amenities

•

•

Performing Arts Centre Reception

•

•

Performing Arts Centre FOH Meeting Room

•

•

Performing Arts Centre Cloakroom

•

•

Performing Arts Centre BOH Small Storage

•

•

Performing Arts Centre BOH Medium Storage

•

•

Performing Arts Centre BOH Piano Store

•

•

Performing Arts Centre BOH T.Company Admin

•

•

TOTAL M2 SUM OF SHARED USE SPACES *This figure can be deducted from the overall footprint of the North Queensland Arts and Cultural Centre if the facility is constructed holistically

COMMUNITY & COMMERCIAL

2 742m2

Spatial Requirements Overview

CITYLIBARIES: MAIN BRANCH

Section 7

ART GALLERY OF NORTH QUEENSLAND

CONCERT HALL

FUNCTION

253

Scoping Report

8. Visualisations

Visualisations

Section 8 254

Section 8

Visualisations

Scoping Report

255

Scoping Report

Visualisations

Section 8

256

Section 8

Visualisations

Scoping Report

257

Scoping Report

Visualisations

Section 8

258

Section 8

Visualisations

Scoping Report

259

Scoping Report

Visualisations

Section 8

260

Section 8

Visualisations

Scoping Report

261

Scoping Report

Visualisations

Section 8

262

Section 8

Visualisations

Scoping Report

263