Project Description
Feasibility and planning for conversion of a redundant power station to a performing arts centre
> THE CONTEXT
As part of the urban re-development initiative for the suburbs of New Farm and Teneriffe, the Council wanted to find a new cultural and community use for the Powerhouse. At that time, the City had limited venues for touring performing arts companies and needed accommodation for a number of local arts organisations. The development was concurrent with the State Government conversion of the Judith Wright Centre for Contemporary Arts and 381 Brunswick St which also sought new spaces for the growing Queensland arts sector.
> OUR APPROACH
Positive Solutions employed a three-stage approach to this task which incorporated community and stakeholder consultation throughout. Throughout the process we worked closely with the City Architect leading the development. We led a series of studies from initial concept development to detailed business planning, including the international benchmarking for such a facility, community consultation, assessment of arts sector needs, market research, staffing structure, governance and final business case for funding. Positive Solutions also led the recruitment program to appoint their first Artistic Director.
> THE BRIEF
The challenge was to help realise the potential for the Brisbane Powerhouse as an arts venue first by providing the City with sufficient data to commit to the development. This included undertaking international benchmarking, concept development, demand assessment, preparation of organisational structure and financial projections, and preparation of an initial economic impact analysis. Together these elements would assist the City in making a decision to proceed.
> THE RESULT
The Brisbane Powerhouse opened in 2001. Since then it has played a significant role in the regeneration of the City and in the development of Brisbane’s arts and cultural sector. It attracts over 700,000 visitors a year with an annual program featuring events across music, comedy, writers, dance, film, visual arts, digital arts, performance and music theatre. In 2016, we began working again with the Powerhouse Board and staff on a master planning process for the next stage of growth and development.
