Construction has begun on the new Sunbury Community Arts and Cultural Precinct.
On Saturday, June 11, Hume mayor Jarrod Bell, alongside Sunbury councillor Kate Hamley, Hawke MP Sam Rae and Sunbury MP Josh Bull broke ground on the new arts and cultural precinct.
As part of the project, buildings 22 and 24 at the Sunbury Asylum site on Jackson’s Hill will be transformed into an art, community and cultural hub, which will open later this year.
The work follows an extensive community consultation process on how the iconic site would be restored for community use while also preserving its heritage.
“Jacksons Hill is significantly linked to Sunbury’s history, and it was important we honoured this as we embarked on creating a new legacy at this site,” Cr Bell said.
“The contributions from our community and their continued involvement on the project, from workshops with the architects right through to being active Community Advisory Board members, speak to the passion and drive of our local arts community.”
The works will transform buildings that were created to confine people into a place that brings communities together through creative expression.
The works will include:
– Transforming the former dining hall into a new multipurpose theatre and performance space
– Building a new annexe as a front of house for the theatre
– Creating a new gallery space to exhibit artworks
– Converting the former work shed (Building 24) into a maker’s space for woodworkers and -applied arts
– Creating communal spaces for cultural gathering and co-working studios
– Installing new flooring, lighting and audio-visual equipment
– Creating accessible entrances, pathways and movement throughout the precinct
“Sunbury is a growing town with a vibrant, creative and engaged community, and this precinct is going to nurture our community long into the future – not just for Sunbury, but for all of Hume,” Cr Bell said.
“We thank the state government for their partnership and contribution so far and hope to see more investment in this important community facility.”
