It will be a focal point for arts and culture in the Hunter Region, capable of hosting national and international shows.
Lake Macquarie council has worked with the University of Newcastle to adapt concept designs by architecture student Samantha Bailey for the first multi-arts space of its kind in Australia.
A development application has been lodged for the facility, which is set to be known as MAP (Multi Arts Place).
Construction is expected to begin at Speers Point Park in mid-2020, pending approval.
The council’s manager arts, culture and tourism, Jacqui Hemsley, said that, with more than 400,000 people visiting the park each year, MAP would become a destination in the city for arts and music lovers.
“This contemporary, technologically sophisticated and flexible creative space in such a popular and attractive location will be an ideal stepping-stone for emerging and nationally-renowned artists,” she said.
The project received a $1.35 million grant through the state government’s Regional Cultural Fund.
In 2018, the University of Newcastle’s School of Architecture and Built Environment were tasked with designing an innovative arts pavilion that would provide a flexible platform for cutting-edge multimedia exhibitions, contemporary installations, performance, music, and community events.
Ms Bailey’s concept design was one of dozens submitted by students in the competition.
Her work stood out because of its creativity, understanding of the brief, and potential relationship with the surrounding landscape.
University of Newcastle Head of Architecture, Dr Chris Tucker, said the genuine opportunity to design a landmark cultural centre for Lake Macquarie provided students with invaluable experience.
“Design research is a critical and developing field within higher education,” he said.
“It enables us to think about architecture not just as buildings, but as a way of understanding our place in the world, our culture, and where the future might take us.”
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