Marina to be interim venue
ENTERTAINMENT is set to get a shiny new home in Gladstone next year.
The question is, what will happen in the interim?
For budding dancers like Kristin Axford, 12, they needn't worry about hanging up their ballet slippers until the new Gladstone Entertainment Centre Precinct Expansion Project (GECPEP) is finished.
Recently the Gladstone Entertainment Centre management team confirmed during the construction of the Entertainment Centre extension, a temporary theatre is to be started at the Gladstone Marina from July, 2012.
Gladstone Eisteddfod publicity officer Dulcie Benn said she was confident the temporary theatre would be top-notch.
"It has to cater for all the acts passing through Gladstone during the next year, so I'm sure it will be top quality," she said.
"It has to be up to a certain standard to have professional people perform on it."
Another concern raised about the new project was the popular Entertainment Centre car park would be out of bounds during construction.
A spokesperson for the GECPEP team said options were being explored.
"Council is exploring all alternative parking options and will provide a map of the CBD to advise the community once finalised," she said.
The Development Application for the project is currently being assessed, but, should it be approved in the coming weeks, construction is expected to begin early in the third quarter of this year and last for around 12 months.
"The project team will work to minimise disruptions wherever possible and will keep the community updated while the works are under way," said Gladstone Ports Corporation chairman Ian Brusasco.
Those wanting to find out more about the plans associated with the (GECPEP) can do so at community information sessions held this week.
Info sessions
Friday May 18: GEC box office, Goondoon St 11.30am-2.30pm
Saturday, May 19: Stockland Shopping Centre 9.30am-12.30pm
