Joondalup Performing Arts & Cultural Facility

The City has been considering the need for a cultural or performing arts facility within Joondalup since the 1970s.

In 2006 purchase of the site (Lot 1001 Kendrew Crescent) for the proposed facility was finalised with the Department of Education and Training.  Located adjoining the Joondalup Learning Precinct, the Joondalup Performing Arts and Cultural Facility will have a street address of 3 Teakle Court, Joondalup.

At present the City is assessing the feasibility of the project in terms of:

• The provision of a venue which meets the needs of a growing urban population and reduces the need for local stakeholders and residents to access facilities outside the Joondalup City area;
• Attracting major performing arts companies;
• Capital construction costs;
• Ongoing operational costs/revenue; and
• Design options that provide maximum flexibility in the use of available space.

Assessment of the above will culminate in a report which will include:

• Details of user and stakeholder consultation that will determine need and justification for the provision of Joondalup Performing Arts and Cultural Facility;
• A development plan for the proposed design option;
• A financial strategy plan; and
• Risk Assessment Report.

In June 2010, Council endorsed the Project Philosophy and Parameter sfor the Joondalup Performing Arts and Cultural Facility.  The overriding philosophy for the development is the provision of a place for the pursuit of activities such as performing arts, visual arts and crafts, film and media, writing and cultural events for the community of Perth’s northern corridor.  The Facility will aspire to:

• Create synergies with the existing educational institutions and reinforce the Joondalup City Centre as the creative and educational centre of the northern corridor;
• Provide a world class, state of the art centre incorporating innovative and sustainable design, that is architecturally symbiotic with the existing natural and built environment;
• Project an ambience of cultural significance, providing an easily recognised entry statement to the City that creates strong visual and physical linkages to existing and future civic buildings, educational precinct, green areas and transport hub; 
• Become a place to celebrate imagination and creativity, inspiring individuals and the community to take part in culture and the arts and raise the aspirations of all users;
• Ceate an inclusive environment where people of all ages and levels of cultural awareness can develop and nurture a strong sense of the possibilities that the arts can provide; and
• Provide a facility that can host a mixture of commercial and community activities that supports the viability and attraction of the venue.

In September 2010, Council endorsed the terms of reference and composition of the Joondalup Performing Arts and Cultural Facility Steering Committee.  The primary objective of the Steering Committee is to provide leadership for, and oversight of the planning and design of the Joondalup Performing Arts and Cultural Facility.  The Committee consists of:

• Elected Members;
• Representatives from Edith Cowan University, WA Police Academy and the West Coast Institute of of Training;
• A representative from the Department of Culture and the Arts;
• External individuals with specialist expertise; and
• Representatives from community arts groups located within the City of Joondalup.

The Steering Committee will meet on a regular basis to ensure progress on this exciting development project is maintained in line with Council and community expectations.