A multi-million dollar project will transform a former Wagga government office site into a “world-class” performance venue.
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The Riverina Conservatorium of Music is to be moved into the old Simmons Street site of the Roads and Maritime Service.
The first stage of the new project will see up to $10 million spent on refurbishment of the existing RMS building into teaching and associated administration facilities.
Vacant land next to the building has been earmarked for the construction of an auditorium and performance space in a second stage of the project.
Currently the conservatorium is located on the old South Campus university site off Hely Avenue, but it’s lease expires in 2020.
Conservatorium director Hamish Tait, said the new building would secure the future of musical education and performance across the Riverina now and for future generations.
“It will provide world-class cultural infrastructure for the whole community and it will be the premier performance venue for classical music across all of regional NSW,” he said.
“It will attract visiting musicians nationally and internationally and will also provide the cultural sector employment and significant economic stimulation for the city and region.”
The conservatorium currently has about 1200 students and employs 46 teaching and administration staff.
Conservatorium board chairman Andrew Wallace described the Simmons Street site as “perfect for us”.
“This is an initiative unlike anything else in NSW,” he said.
“There is no performance-grade facility like we are about to get.
“We are talking something that’s quite unique.”
Dr Wallace said the existing building would be big enough to meet all of the conservatorium's needs for teaching space and rehearsal rooms.
“It's an astonishing opportunity to get what you can see is a superb place for a conservatorium,” he said.
“It takes our city to a whole new place in terms of the facilities available.”
Dr Wallace said the Simmons Street location would put the Convervatorium close to Wagga’s civic centre and arts precinct.
Mr Tait and Dr Wallace paid tribute to Member for Wagga Daryl Maguire for his assistance in finding the site and securing funding.