Council has embarked on an exciting new project to transform an old Council building in the heart of Rockdale into a contemporary, multi-purpose Community and Cultural Centre. This new facility will host a range of arts and cultural events and programs for the Bayside community to enjoy.

Background

The Community Cultural Centre has been identified as a priority project in the Bayside Community Strategic Plan, the Delivery Program and the Rockdale Town Centre Masterplan. The Rockdale Town Centre Masterplan was developed in consultation with the local community and aims to deliver on the community's vision for the town centre by:

• Establishing a unique identity for Rockdale
• Growing the town's heart and civic role
• Increasing the vitality and lifestyle of the area
• Improving the pedestrian experience
• Strengthening economic hubs
• Providing convenient and legible access for visitors

The Rockdale Community and Cultural Centre will be an important landmark and connection between the Kings Lane shopping precinct, the Library and Rockdale Town Hall civic centre.

Proposed transformation

The disused Church Hall building at 5 Bryant St, Rockdale, will be transformed into a Community and Cultural Centre that will be available for use by the community and for Council's community and civic events. The adjoining Chapel will be demolished to create an open park and gathering space.

The project includes:

• A new Community and Cultural Centre with flexible multi-purpose spaces with the potential for hire
• Facilities for art exhibitions, performances and other cultural events with supporting infrastructure, including high-quality IT and audio-visual capabilities
• A new community park and public plaza

Purpose and scope of community engagement

We would like your input on the types of cultural and creative activities and functions that you would like to see at the new Centre. While the building envelope and design have been determined, your feedback will inform the detailed design and fit-out of the Centre so that it can accommodate the types of activities and events you think are needed in the area.

Opportunity to reflect local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history at the Centre

Bayside is home to many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and traditional custodians with a longstanding, deep and enduring cultural connection to the local area. Consequently, we are fortunate to have a landscape that is rich in Aboriginal culture and history.

Council is committed to recognising and reflecting this enduring connection in its community facilities and programs.

Council will engage the local Aboriginal community in naming the new facility. The Centre will also be a place where the Aboriginal community can share stories of Country, culture and history through creative and cultural events and programs.

Have your say

We would like your input on the types of cultural and creative activities and functions you would like to see at the new Centre, as well as feedback on the concept design for the community park and any other comments you have on the proposed Community and Cultural Centre.

Tell us your thoughts by completing the feedback form below.

Online: Via the online submission form below.

Hard copy: Submit a hard copy submission to one of our Customer Service Centres.

Opening hours are 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday at:

Eastgardens Service Centre, Ground Floor, 152 Bunnerong Road, Eastgardens NSW 2036 or
Rockdale Service Centre, 444-446 Princes Highway, Rockdale NSW 2216

Email: haveyoursay@bayside.nsw.gov.au

Post: Bayside Council, PO Box 21, Rockdale NSW 2216.

The closing date for submissions is 12 February 2023.

Next steps

Your feedback will inform the detailed design and fit-out of the Centre as well as the final concept design for the community park adjacent to the Centre. Construction is anticipated to commence in late 2023 and be completed by the end of 2024.

More information

For more information, please contact City Projects on 9562 1564 or email city.projects@bayside.nsw.gov.au.

Accessibility

For more accessibility features click the purple icon at the top of the page. If you would like the key information and submission form in another format, please contact us on 9562 1597.