Cairns Cultural Precinct Campaigns Go Online

Cairns Regional Council has revealed an 18-month community consultation program that will help shape an architectural brief for its planned cultural precinct.

The final design for the project, set to include a performing arts centre, museum and public plaza will largely be determined by the architects awarded the project tender, but project manager Linda Cardew said residents would be invited to review and critique the design as it took shape.

Initial artists impressions for the $230 million centre show a luminous volcano-shaped performing arts centre, which would house a 1,000-seat main auditorium plus other theatre spaces, as the focus of the project.

Supporters and opponents of the Cairns Cultural Precinct have taken their campaigns online, with Facebook pages set up to both promote and attack the project.

At noon today, 394 people "liked" the 'Cairns Cultural Precinct Fans & Supporters' page, while the younger 'Cairns Cultural Precinct is a Disgrace' page had 83 members.

The 18 month consultation will include focus groups, interviews and open community workshops will help develop an architectural brief, with the final designs to be developed by an architectural firm via a competitive tender.

For more information go to www.cairns.qld.gov.au/content/CulturalPrecinct/index.html

9th June 2010 - QUEENSLAND BUDGET BACKS ARTS, CULTURE AND VENUES