Fundraising campaign launched to help restore Horsham’s Wesley Performing Arts and Cultural Centre

Custodians of Horsham's historic Wesley Performing Arts and Cultural Centre, the Wesley Committee, are launching a fundraising campaign to raise $550,000 to re-open the venue under a new name, The Wesley.

The building in Roberts Avenue needs a full restoration, which requires an upgrade costing an estimated $2 million.

The Wesley Committee will be seeking funding from a combination of philanthropic contributions and public donations. This funding will cover making the building safe as well as several major upgrades.

The Wesley committee and Horsham Rural City Council have contributed $450,000 to the upgrade, and a further $550,000 from the public and corporate and philanthropic entities will allow the custodians to apply for a matching government contribution.

The funding will go towards building upgrades that will include a flat floor throughout the entire venue from street front to back-of-house, removing access and mobility issues.

The main auditorium will have options for various set ups and include removable seating.

In December 2017, the Wesley Performing Arts and Cultural Centre was forced to close its doors due to significant safety non-compliance issues.

A Building Surveyor conducted a Fire Safety and Essential Safety Measure audit and found that the building was not compliant with the Building Regulations (1994) and Building Code of Australia (1996).

Furthermore, it was discovered that the building was not being maintained as required by Part 12 of the Building (Interim) Regulations 2017, which outlines required Essential Safety Measures.

The Wesley PACC committee agreed to the closure of the venue for safety reasons, while further inspections and actions to rectify the issues were undertaken.

A number of fire safety items need to be addressed to allow Wesley to be reopened, including seating, curtains, fire sprinkler system, and essential safety measures compliance.

In response to the closure, the Horsham Performing Arts Future Services Demand Assessment study was commissioned.

This comprehensive report includes detailed community feedback through survey, consultation with key stakeholders, and an assessment of the current provision of performing arts facilities in the Horsham region. It also includes a review of current best practice in the provision of performing arts.

The primary scope of the study was to provide Council with an assessment to identify the best possible options for the future direction of Wesley PACC.

The undertaking of the Horsham Performing Arts Future Services Demand Assessment has provided a significant amount of detailed feedback from the community for consideration of the wider arts and events programs in Horsham.

The primary outcome of this assessment has identified that there is a role for Wesley PACC in the existing provision of cultural facilities.

It fills a gap by providing a small intimate space that is very highly regarded by the community. It also provides the opportunity for broadening the arts and cultural program. This has the potential to build upon Horsham’s support of the creative industries and growing reputation as a cultural destination.

Wesley committee president Mary Starr said the group had worked with council throughout the past few years to determine demand.

Starr noted “the changes will allow The Wesley to cater for smaller scale events that don’t suit or fit the Horsham Town Hall venue, such as forums, funerals, recitals, workshops and civil ceremonies.

“Post completion of works, the venue will be programmed and operated by the experienced team at the Horsham Town Hall, with ownership transferred to Horsham Rural City Council, which is the desire of the committee.”

The Wesley Committee is a non-profit group with deductible gift recipient and donations more than $2 are tax deductible.

Donations can now be accepted at Horsham Town Hall box office, in cash, cheque, card or electronic funds transfer.

Donations can also be made via electronic funds to Wesley Performing Arts, BSB: 033 629; account number 362 747, and people requiring a receipt can contact the committee via email TheWesleyHorsham@gmail.com.

For more information about the Re-Open Wesley campaign, people can visit hrcc.vic.gov.au/reopen-wesley

Image. Credit: Horsham Rural City Council