Macquarie Conservatorium to occupy Dubbo’s old Carpet Court Building with peppercorn lease

With the Macquarie Conservatorium’s current lease arrangement within a Department of Education building not having been renewed, Dubbo Regional Council has negotiated the terms of a lease agreement for occupying the old Carpet Court Building with a peppercorn lease for a period of five years, with an option for an additional five-year term by mutual agreement.

Hundreds of children, youth and adults participate in music education programs each year through the Conservatorium, which is also partly funded by the State Government’s Department of Education to provide musical education services.

The Macquarie Conservatorium will occupy 139 Darling Street for at least the next five years, following a resolution of Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) during the 27th April 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting.

The lease amount will be reviewed at the end of the initial five-year period and the Macquarie Conservatorium will be responsible for all outgoings under the lease arrangements, including the fit out, repairs and maintenance.

Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council Mathew Dickerson said the final result was a great outcome for the community and for the Macquarie Conservatorium.

Mayor Dickerson notes “The Macquarie Conservatorium is a great facility for our city and having ‘The Con’ in Dubbo helps attract people to Dubbo from other areas.

“When people are looking at moving to Dubbo, they look at what extracurricular activities they can undertake as part of the overall attraction of the city. That includes musical education as well as educational services; sports facilities; medical resources; service organisations and even retail experiences. ‘The Con’ is an important part of our community and having them in the one central location for the next five to ten years is a positive outcome.

“This decision shows that councillors are convinced the money not received in rental income is a good investment in the community.”

During the discussions, councillors determined the lease amount is below market value and it will therefore be considered as a financial assistance grant to the Conservatorium

Councillors also noted the preferred location for the Macquarie Conservatorium remains part of a cultural hub that DRC is considering, which could be located adjacent to the Western Plains Cultural Centre.

Image. Credit: Macquarie Conservatorium