April 30, 2012
Stage 1 of Kingaroy’s much discussed – and much-needed – Performing Arts and Cultural Centre is now rapidly taking shape at the Kingaroy State High School.
The concrete slab was poured about 10 days ago and work on the framework is moving ahead quickly.
KSHS Development Officer Dick Sloper said the building would be ready for use by the end of June.
The $1.2 million Stage 1 consists of practice and rehearsal rooms, toilets, a change room and staff facilities.
It will be used by dance, drama and music students “and anyone else who wants to use it”.
The community will be able to book use of the facility through the high school.
Funding for the project has come from a range of sources, including $512,000 from the Smart School Subsidy Scheme and $450,000 from P&C fundraising.
The South Burnett Regional Council contributed $42,500 for earthworks.
The project will cost about $300,000 more than the original estimate, with sound-proofing, acoustic curtains and seating arrangements the major expense items. However, the school says income production will cover this shortfall.
Stage 1 is being erected in front of the school’s Assembly Hall, wrapping around the Library.
The project is being managed by a Sunshine Coast company but all contractors being used are local.
The plan is for the $6 million Stage 2 – which will consist of a 500-seat auditorium, cafe, change rooms, manager’s office and interpretative centre – to be erected to the west of Stage 1, taking over the carpark area in front of the Indoor Sports Centre.
When completed, this industry-standard multi-purpose facility will host local, regional and (hopefully) international stage performances, exhibitions, conferences and functions.
Fundraising for Stage 2 has begun, and the school is looking for on-going community support to make the project a reality.
The KSHS P&C Association can issue a tax-deductible receipt for all donations over $2, with cheques made out to the “Parents’ & Citizens’ Building Fund”.
Update May 3, 2012:
