Port Macquarie Hastings Council has released the Concept Design for the Town Beach Outdoor Amphitheatre, which is a continuation of the Town Beach Master Plan. This project is proudly funded by the NSW Government through the Public Spaces Legacy Program.
The amphitheatre will be located between Town Beach and the adjacent Holiday Park and will expand on the recreational and cultural opportunities in the reserve.
It is designed for small-scale community events and activities, such as open-air performances, markets and school choirs. It will also serve as an informal space for creatives, playgroups, meetings, picnics.
The concept has an integrated look and feel with Town Beach Park and its surrounding neighbourhood. It incorporates four grassed 3.5m tiers, retained by large sandstone blocks and will utilise the adjacent grass areas as an informal stage.
Group Manager Community Lucilla Marshall says a key component of the design is to provide a community event space with improved pedestrian paths, electrical supply, stormwater works and landscaping planting.
"Our goal is for this project to meet community expectations and be fit for purpose – as well as providing good value to the community," she said.
"There is also potential for the venue to be used by larger events such as music and community festivals - however these events will be subject to their own development approvals, with specific conditions – particularly around noise."
"We anticipate this theatre will be an incredible addition to the Town Beach Area, bringing with it a huge amount of opportunity, for both locals and tourists."
A Noise Assessment Report was prepared for PMHC by RCA Australia for the proposed outdoor amphitheatre, to ensure there are relatively low noise impacts for Town Beach residents.
PMHC has begun the community consultation period, which begins Monday 8th of August, and is open until Monday the 22nd of August. People are able to provide their thoughts and feedback using the Have Your Say page.
There will also be a pop up information session on Town Beach Park, to the right of the exercise equipment on Saturday the 20th of August from 9am – 12pm and online information session on Tuesday 23rd August from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.
Following on from community engagement, PMHC will develop a plan to consider how the amphitheatre and overall precinct should operate.
It is anticipated the amphitheatre will be completed by March 2023, weather permitting.
