Minerva Theatre Feasibility Study
Hawkridge Entertainment Services was engaged by Create NSW and the City of Sydney to lead the Minerva Theatre Feasibility Study – a comprehensive investigation into whether the historic Potts Point venue could again thrive as a live performance space. Guided by Managing Director Tim Long, our team shaped the project brief, framed the research questions and coordinated a multi‑disciplinary consortium of architects, planners and financial analysts to deliver an evidence‑based assessment for government and industry stakeholders.
In Phase 1 we undertook exhaustive due diligence. This covered a macro‑to‑micro review of Sydney’s theatre market, benchmarking venue supply against current demand, mapping competitors in both Sydney and Melbourne and consulting with promoters, producers and operators about capacity, staging and programming requirements. Concurrently, we audited the Minerva’s built fabric analysing heritage constraints, compliance gaps, FOH/BOH functionality and its role in the Kings Cross night‑time economy so decision‑makers could weigh cultural, social and economic benefits alongside physical limitations.
Phase 2 translated those insights into workable operating scenarios. We modelled three management pathways and built detailed five‑year budgets that linked hire fees, F&B yields, labour structures and technical costs to realistic attendance curves. This comparative analysis revealed the commercially operated model could generate an annual surplus while still mitigating artistic and community risks.
Finally, in Phase 3 we scoped the capital roadmap estimating an acquisition price and a refurbishment program covering demolition, structure, services, technical fit‑out, seating and hospitality upgrades. We aligned these costs with planning controls, heritage obligations and potential funding mechanisms then produced staged concept drawings and long‑range financial projections to demonstrate value for money versus building new. Our work culminated in a clear, actionable blueprint that balances cultural vision with commercial rigour, reaffirming Hawkridge’s reputation for turning complex venue challenges into bankable, community‑minded solutions.
The project was delivered with Studio SC and Networked Urban Solutions.
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
- 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.
