Tweed Heads cultural plaza takes shape

Thursday 10 October 2019

The $1.2 million Tweed Heads Civic and Cultural Centre redevelopment is well underway,with construction on track to be completed before Christmas and an official opening planned for early 2020.

A technical upgrade of the Tweed Heads auditorium was completed in March, which included an electrical and lighting upgrade that will improve lighting energy efficiency by almost 80 percent per hour of use, and improvements to the stage to enhance functionality and to cater for a variety of performances.

Work on the enhanced forecourt, library return chute and reading room, accessible car parking and social enterprise café is progressing well.

The upgraded facility will include an outdoor plaza with a direct pathway for easier access to the library and auditorium, contemporary landscaping, an improved drop-off area, accessible parking, better lighting and a more accessible after-hours library book return.

Tweed Shire Council’s Manager Community and Cultural Services, Robyn Grigg said she was thrilled to see progress on this attractive and functional community space.

“These works will not only enable better accessibility to Council’s offices, the library and auditorium, they will provide attractive and functional spaces where people can meet, have a coffee and attend a show at the auditorium,” Ms Grigg said.

One of the most exciting aspects of the redevelopment is the social enterprise café that will be established in the plaza to serve barista coffee, tea and snacks. Income from the not-for-profit café will support the delivery of local social and community programs.

“The café will provide training and employment opportunities for young and older people, people with disabilities and others who need support to enter the workforce,” Ms Grigg said

“It will be a wonderful opportunity to have an accessible space and provide opportunities for the community.

“This will create a fantastic cultural space for both current and future generations of residents and visitors to enjoy,” she said.

Car parking arrangements will remain in place until the project is completed. Council thanks members of the community for their corporation, patience and flexibility during the construction period.

The project is jointly funded by the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund and Tweed Shire Council.