Sutherland Entertainment Centre – Pavilion Performing Arts Centre

The Sutherland Entertainment Centre (SEC) was originally built in 1975. Over its nearly 50 years the building underwent a number of cosmetic renovations however it was no longer ‘fit for purpose’ and did not meet current safety and equitable access standards. Notwithstanding, much of the building was structurally sound and worthy of preservation.

As a result, Sutherland Council resolved to undertake a comprehensive refurbishment program of the SEC and the adjoining Peace Park. This included alterations and additions to the existing building together with upgrades to the Peace Park.

Sutherland Council conducted a design competition for the proposed works and the Evaluation Panel selected NBRS and Chrofi Architects as the architectural team which would be able to provide the best outcome as envisaged by Council and the community.

The refurbishment of the SEC included:

• A refurbished theatre with tiered seating for 700 persons.
• Flexible teaching and rehearsal spaces.
• Improved amenities and circulation spaces.
• A larger foyer with enhanced user services and accessibility, including lift access and improved amenities.
• A new entry forecourt incorporating a flexible outdoor event space.
• Improved performer/hirer functionality with enhanced back-of-house, stage and wings areas and a full flytower.
• New, energy efficient and sustainable heating, cooling and lighting systems.
  The upgrades to Peace Park included improved connectivity between Peace Park and the SEC.

The capital investment value (CIV) of the works exceeded $30 million and therefore the development was State Significant Development and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was prepared by DFP. The EIS included a detailed assessment of the proposal including:

• Built form and urban design considerations
• Landscape design and public domain treatments
• Ecologically sustainable development (ESD) issues
• Management of acoustic impacts
• Heritage impacts
• Social impacts including the preparation of a Social Impact Assessment by DFP and Operational Management Plan which was also prepared by DFP

In addition to the comprehensive assessment of the development, the EIS included a number of measures to mitigate potential impacts. These mitigation measures were prepared in consultation with the architectural team and Council.

Throughout the preparation of the application and during assessment of the SSD application by NSW Department of Planning and Environment, DFP was a key participant in all meetings and discussions.

During the construction phase of the project, a number of modifications to the project were required and DFP assisted the appointed building contractor in preparing the necessary reports and documentation for the modification applications.