The City of Casey today (Wednesday 5 June 2013) announced a visionary plan to create a truly unique cultural, community and civic precinct at Fountain Gate in Narre Warren.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Amanda Stapledon said the announcement of the $125 million Casey Cultural and Civic Precinct is fantastic news, not only for Casey’s 270,000 residents, but also for residents of the outer east and south east of Melbourne.

‘The Casey Cultural and Civic Precinct is one of the largest projects ever embarked upon by local government in Victoria and will be a truly unique and iconic facility of which the community can be extremely proud.

‘As the Casey community continues to grow, residents, artists, performers, schools and community groups want to see a facility built in the area which reflects their aspirations and showcases our status as Victoria’s largest and most vibrant municipality.

‘The Casey Cultural and Civic Precinct will be an innovative multi-purpose facility at the heart of the community, combining cultural, community and civic amenities under one roof’, said Cr Stapledon.

The Casey Cultural and Civic Precinct will comprise a regional theatre, multi-purpose exhibition space, regional art gallery, new community library, community meeting rooms, Civic Centre and community plaza.

Due to many years of responsible financial management, Council is able to finance the Casey Cultural and Civic Precinct without an increase to rates and will use a combination of savings, a loan and external funding.

‘As the project will benefit the wider community and region, particularly artists, performing arts groups and local schools, Council will be calling on the State and Federal Governments to contribute funding’, added Cr Stapledon.

‘There’s currently nowhere else in Melbourne that you can get assistance from Council, take in a theatre show, view amazing art, see a national touring exhibition, relax with friends and family and even visit the gym in such close proximity.

‘With Westfield Fountain Gate also within easy walking distance, you can also go shopping, catch a movie and enjoy dinner nearby.

‘I also wish to acknowledge Cr Wayne Smith for his vision in relation to the regional theatre and art gallery and to acknowledge the active support of all Councillors in supporting the arts community and for supporting a precinct for the entire community’, added Cr Stapledon.

This project is set to further enhance the Fountain Gate major activity centre and will be located adjacent to Casey ARC, with the recently-expanded Westfield Fountain Gate Shopping Centre nearby.

This project will also contribute significantly to the economic development of the region and is a vote of confidence in Casey’s robust economy.

‘The $125 million project will provide at least 1,000 jobs during the construction phase and will inject more than $300 million into the regional economy.

‘In addition to providing local jobs for local people, it will also stimulate the financial growth and sustainability of the arts and cultural sector’, added Cr Stapledon.

Council has developed a vision, objectives and site plan, and is encouraging community input to further develop the project.

People interested in finding out more about the project can visit Council’s website at www.casey.vic.gov.au/civicprecinct.

Those wanting to provide feedback on the vision, objectives and site plan are encouraged to visit Council’s community consultation portal, Casey Conversations, at www.caseyconversations.com.au/civicprecinct.

Council will also hold focus groups and briefing sessions with the community in the near future.

The proposed site for the Casey Cultural and Civic Precinct is subject to a planning scheme amendment. If approved, the design and planning stage will commence, with construction anticipated to begin mid-2015.

The Casey Cultural and Civic Precinct is expected to open to the community mid-2017.