Shoalhaven City Council engaged Hawkridge Entertainment Services to complete the Shoalhaven Multipurpose Arts Facility Business Case. The report reviews and details information about the demand for a Multipurpose Arts Facility in the Shoalhaven region.
The study was divided into nine key actions (phases) which are described in the following detail.
Project initiation
In the initial phase Hawkridge Entertainment Services met with the key internal stakeholders to discuss
issues, opportunities and to ascertain their respective visions for the future operation of the Centre.
This also included a review of the current project documentation. The purpose was to:
- Gain further understanding of the proposed facility and service offerings;
- Discuss objectives that link with the broader strategies of stakeholders and expectations of Council, audiences and venue client base;
- Analyse and review documentation including identification of gaps in information; and
- Confirm the detailed program of tasks, key milestones schedule and deliverables, which were expected to be achieved.
Review/benchmarking of similar facilities
A review of current and proposed shared storage/workshop/rehearsal facilities in NSW, wider Australia and international, including but not limited to:
- Lilyfield Arts Facility (including Art Gallery of NSW storage facility).
- MAAS Castle Hill Storage facility.
- Bathurst Council – Central Tablelands Collections Facility.
- Dangrove Art Storage Facility, Alexandria.
This included analysis of the facilities in terms of size, location, storage as well as detailed discussions with contacts from facilities regarding the hiring/lease fees, operational considerations,
access requirements and additional revenue opportunities.
Demand assessment and consultation
The initial step was to engage with internal and community stakeholders to establish a clear outline of the requirements for the facility both immediate and in the future. This phase of the project was separated into two sections – consultation and demand analysis. Analysis undertaken assisted in defining the functional properties of the facility as well as the revenue opportunities.
Consultation
HES conducted consultation based on the principles of IAP2 to ascertain the need for storage space, a
performing arts/workshop space as well as other spaces such as quarantine space, office space, research/ public space, digitisation studio. The consultation included the following:
- Development of an online survey, if appropriate.
- Community workshops with stakeholder groups.
- Meeting/workshop with internal Council stakeholders.
- Direct contact (phone/email) with stakeholders.
Following the consultation, HES provided the findings of the consultation and survey results including key themes and any emerging issues to Project team.
Demand assessment
Analysis comprised a review of the cultural infrastructure existing in the area, the demographics of the local area, an economic analysis of area, analysis of groups likely to access as well as those who won’t, the capacity of hirers/organisations to pay, any commercial opportunities, price analysis as well as a brief competitive analysis. The assessment reviewed the potential key design elements including;
- Floor space
- Accessibility and equity of access
- Storage requirements
- Work rooms
- Reception/Front of House requirements (toilets)
- Fixtures & Fittings required
- Specific facilities management requirements such as environmental conditions and technological requirements
Alignment to State and Federal government policies
A review of current state and federal government priorities through analysis of existing strategic
documentation.
Income assessment
Analysis of potential income streams associated with the development as well as reviewing
opportunities for revenue generation. This analysis considered the findings of the assessment of
demand and the outcomes of the stakeholder engagement.
Operational cost assessment
The review comprised the analysis of best options for governance and management models, particularly
taking into account potential relationships with community organisations. Development of an operational budget was based on the review of similar facilities and previous experience including:
- Staffing costs.
- Fees.
- Marketing/Program costs.
- Collection storage/access costs.
- Climate control and security costs.
- Building maintenance.
Capital cost estimate
Cost estimates for construction and fit-out of the proposed development were based on similar
structures and costs. Information was sourced from the review of similar facilities and combined with
the experience HES of developing costs for large cultural infrastructure projects.
Feasibility analysis
The analysis took into consideration both the use benefits and non-use benefits that Shoalhaven Multipurpose Arts Facility Business Case was likely to deliver. This included analysis of social benefits and how the overall project will assist in the development of cultural activity across the region.
Potential funding sources
The Shoalhaven Multipurpose Arts Facility Business Case then considered the potential funding sources for any facility.
Our work
Hawkridge Entertainment Services delivers successful outcomes by finding solutions to complex issues. We listen to stakeholders and complete tasks in the timeframes required.
Our services for organisations include strategic analysis, feasibility development and business case writing. Some of our recent projects are:
- Business Case for the St. Ives Cultural & Environmental Education Centre
- Coffs Harbour Community and Cultural Facilities Plan 2021-2031
- Jetty Memorial Theatre Strategic & Business Plan 2022-2026
- Economic impact of the Alex Theatre, St Kilda
- Analysis of Venue Booking Software for Ryde City Council
Hawkridge Entertainment Services delivers 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.