Western Australian Government provides vital funding for Albany Entertainment Centre

The Western Australian Government has come to the rescue of the Albany City Council agreeing to fund the Albany Entertainment Centre (AEC) to the tune of $4 million for two years

The City of Albany raised concerns with the WA Government earlier this year about its ability to manage and fund the ambitious venue.

It called on the Western Australian Government for financial assistance and management expertise to run the venue.

Western Australian Cultural and Arts Minister John Day yesterday announced that he had approved $3.96 million in funding to cover the initial operating costs of the venue, stating "the Government directed Perth Theatre Trust to manage and operate the centre for two years, with ownership of the building transferring to the City of Albany from 1st July 2012.

"The two-year interim management arrangement will give the City of Albany time to stabilise its financial position and create funding reserves to support the future operation of the AEC.

"It is in everyone's interests to ensure the AEC is well managed in the short-term to lay the foundations for a strong and sustainable future."

Albany mayor Milton Evans said the arrangement gave the City of Albany time to create funding reserves to ensure the future sustainability of the ambitious venue, stating âwe want to ensure this is a long-term asset for the community of Albany and the Great Southern and we have been granted time to ensure that happens.

Earlier this month, the Western Australian Government directed the Perth Theatre Trust to manage the venue.

The spectacular $70 million AEC is expected to be the jewel of Albanyâs waterfront renewal, which is being driven by the City of Albany and involves the development of a hotel, residential accommodation and a marina.

The venue and features a 620-seat main theatre and a flexible 200-seat studio space and is expected to attract major theatrical and musical performances from 2011. The venue also has the capacity to host conventions and conferences.

The first public performance at the AEC will be the Berlin Philharmonic simulcast on Sunday, 14th November, with the official opening expected to be held in December 2010.

For more information go to www.albanyentertainment.com.au