There were gasps and cheers of delight as NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional Development, John Barilaro and Bega MP Andrew Constance announced $7.4 million for the 200-seat raked Theatre Twyford project in Merimbula.
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Speaking at Twyford Hall on Friday to Twyford Hall committee members and representatives from various groups who use the hall, Mr Barilaro spoke about the arts in regional NSW.
“We often talk about all the big infrastructure projects like the schools, the roads and the hospitals that are important to our communities but we’re often left behind when we talk about those amenities that make our communities what they are.
“But if anyone thinks arts are only for the city they have got it wrong,” Mr Barilaro said.
“We have focused on arts and culture. We know it’s important and in the regions it characterises who we are.”
He then handed over to Mr Constance to made the announcement that Theatre Tywford would get $7.4 million.
We’re going to have a tiered theatre, let’s get on it, let’s get it built.
- Bega MP Andrew Constance
Mr Constance thanked the Twyford Hall committee and spoke of their tenacity.
“When I first heard about it I wondered how we were going to make this work,” he said.
But the sale of the Snowy Hydro assets had given the state government “headroom”.
“We’re going to have a tiered theatre, let’s get on it, let’s get it built,” Mr Constance said to loud applause.
“This will be a truly regional facility and communities right across the south east will come here.”
The Theatre Twyford will lift the live theatre and music community in our region to new levels of involvement and enthusiasm.
- Twyford Hall president Bill Deveril
Those attending were treated to a short scene from Spectrum Theatre Group’s current production of Aladdin prior to hearing the announcement of the $7.4m funding.
Long-term president of the Twyford Hall committee and advocate for the raked theatre Bill Deveril, said it was the “best news I could ever imagine”.
“The Theatre Twyford will lift the live theatre and music community in our region to new levels of involvement and enthusiasm. It will provide the stage for professional touring companies which do not come here at the moment.”
I can’t wait to see it in the streetscape of Merimbula. It will be the only raked theatre between Nowra and Bairnsdale.
- Bega Valley Shire mayor Kristy McBain
Bega Valley Shire mayor Kristy McBain said she was overwhelmed.
“Theatre Twyford is now a reality and well done to all those who campaigned. I can’t wait to see it in the streetscape of Merimbula. It will be the only raked theatre between Nowra and Bairnsdale. I look forward to sitting in that seat the first night there's a performance,” Cr McBain said.
“This would not have been possible without the ground swell from the community.”
Manager of the Merimbula Visitor Information Centre and Twyford Hall committee member Chris Nicholls said that he always thought Merimbula missed out on having a cultural heart.
“It will make a huge difference to the cultural and social dynamic of Merimbula. Cultural and art are both burgeoning areas of tourism. It will attract and entertain visitors to the area,” Mr Nicholls said.
Merimbula Jazz Festival committee member Paul Dion called it “very exciting news”.
“It will give us the opportunity to have intimate concert style performances by some of the elite of the jazz world. It will be a fabulous asset for Merimbula and the jazz festival,” Mr Dion said.
Plans are ready and development approval has been granted by council, Mr Deveril said.
Mr Constance said he hoped to see the first sod turned before the end of the year.
