By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A DRAFT programming plan for Casey council’s new cultural precinct was adopted last month.
The visual arts programming framework for the upcoming Bunjil Place was adopted after a community forum in October.
More than 30 residents attended the event, which was initiated by Deputy Mayor Wayne Smith, to ensure the visual arts community was consulted in the planning for Bunjil Place.
“On the day, we presented attendees with a draft programming framework, proposed themes for the gallery, opportunities and spaces that will be available for Casey’s local visual arts community and example applications of the programming framework for Bunjil Place when it opens in 2017,” Cr Smith said.
“Feedback provided at the forum was integrated into the development of the Bunjil Place Programming Framework which will guide planning for the gallery and future use of the precinct.
“Council will continue to engage with the community as we establish our art exhibitions, activities and other opportunities at Bunjil Place.
“It is important that the community are involved throughout the life of the project so that Bunjil Place truly represents the Casey community and beyond when it opens.”
The new framework comes as Brookfield Multiplex Constructions was recently chosen to bring the $125 million Bunjil Place project to life.
In November the construction giant met with Casey council to formalise the agreement.
The construction, which will continue for the next two years, will create the only regional community facility of its kind.
Brookfield’s managing director Graham Cottam said his team was thrilled to take on a “one-of-a-kind project”.
“Brookfield has industry-leading, internationally accredited systems and processes and we are ready and excited to hit the ground running and work with the council and Casey community to deliver Bunjil Place by late 2017,” Mr Cottam said.
The new facility will include an 800-seat theatre, studio, art gallery, community library and meeting rooms, civic centre and council offices.
