Following a competitive tender process, Hawkridge Entertainment Services were appointed by Northern Beaches Council to complete the Manly Town Hall Feasibility Study. The primary objective of the study was to understand if Manly Town Hall would be a viable multi-use performance and exhibition space.
Hawkridge Entertainment Services partnered with Scott Carver and Networked Urban Solutions to complete the study. In addition, the team engaged Urbis (Planning and heritage), SCT Consulting (Traffic Planning) and WT Partnership (Cost Planning) to assist deliver a report for Council.
Manly Town Hall Feasibility Study
The study considered the following:
- Demand – Market assessment of general trends including audience demand and use of similar performance space and exhibition spaces. Comparison against the space/proposed for Manly Town Hall. An assessment of what the proposed performance and exhibition space offers in the overall arts and cultural landscape of the Northen Beaches area. Incorporate assessment of existing assets such as Glen Street Theatre and Manly Art Gallery and Museum.
- Financial viability – Consideration of competitive analysis and all business, operational, maintenance and renewal requirements.
- Night time economy – Alignment with Council and community visions / policies for Manly town centre.
- Performing Arts venue planning – Consideration of the proposed use and overall footprint required to meet operational requirements aligned with recognised industry best practice standards.
- Ancillary exhibition space planning – Consideration of requirements for exhibition of 2 and 3 dimensional works. Includes analysis of floorspace, lighting, display and storage aligned to best practice industry standards.
- Town planning – Local planning policies and controls.
- Architecture – Excellence in architectural design.
- Urban design – Building mass and scale within the local context of Town Centre, complimentary to the existing public spaces.
- Heritage significance – Consideration to the preservation of architectural and cultural significance as well as significant key building fabric.
- Sustainable development – Must achieve a 6 star rating under the Green Building Council Australia ratings tool and be consistent with Northern Beaches Environment and Climate Change Strategy 2040.
- Traffic and carparking – Understanding of impacts to local area including access for patrons and loading requirements for heavy vehicles sufficient for all operations.
How we help
Hawkridge Entertainment Services provides a range of services for organisations including strategic analysis, feasibility development and business case writing. We are experts in the development of cultural infrastructure. Some of our recent projects are:
- Roxy Theatre Parramatta Final Business Case
- Parramatta Riverside Theatres Business Case
- Report on the economic contribution of Music Venues in NSW
- Coffs Harbour Community and Cultural Facilities Plan 2021-2031
- Business case for the Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre
- Operational review of the Paranaple Convention Centre
We deliver successful outcomes by finding solutions to complex issues. We listen to stakeholders and complete tasks in the timeframes required.
Other similar projects completed by Hawkridge Entertainment Services are available here.