Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Reopens Following Upgrades
Published on 07 May 2021
The upgraded Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre is poised to reopen on Monday 10 May 2021 with an immediate start to the venue’s busy programme of events and theatre performances.
After being closed for more than 14 months, due to the COVID-19 restrictions and upgrade works, the much-loved Shoalhaven home of the performing arts will welcome back audiences for a fantastic variety of community performances and professional productions.
Shoalhaven City Council Mayor Amanda Findley is thrilled to see the doors of the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre re-open following upgrades.
“The team at the Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre is delighted the first performance on the Auditorium stage is a Morning Matinee from audience favourite Monique Montez who will wow audiences with Liza Meets Bassey, showcasing two living legends, Liza Minnelli and Dame Shirley Bassey,” Clr Findley stated.
In the first 14 days of being recommissioned the Centre will also host In the Zone, a hip-hop -meets-gaming show, Australian children’s icon Bluey starring in her Big Play, Melinda Schneider’s A Farewell to Doris, Leaving Jackson a show for Johnny Cash fans, and Cancer Council New South Wales’ charity fundraiser Stars of Nowra showcasing the dancing talents of Shoalhaven personalities and dance teachers.
Throughout 2021 the venue will host a huge variety of popular performances including theatre, dance, children’s shows, concerts, comedy, fine music and much more. The venue’s website is constantly being updated with new shows going on sale.
Clr Findley said more than 4,000 people will attend the venue in the first two weeks following its opening, with more than 3,000 tickets sold to shows and events.
“New theatre lighting, audio systems and audio-visual upgrades will enhance the customer and audience experience, maintaining the venue’s status as the South Coast’s premier venue for the performing arts,” Clr Findley said.
During the closure, the venue has undergone improvements to the Encore Café & Bar, including a new short-order cook kitchen.
The Café and foyer will feature contemporary, new furniture, a new access-friendly benchtop, a new bar, and recharge points for mobility aids, phones and other devices.
Council appointed Nowra-based architectural firm Edmiston Jones to manage the project, which made a significant contribution to the region’s economy employing more than 120 workers from 15 sub-contractors completing in excess of 7,000 work hours. The principal contractor, Duratec Australia, has a base at South Nowra.
Council completed the upgrade within budget and on schedule.
A Welcome Back Weekend is planned across the weekend of 11 and 12 June, with details soon to be released.
Image: Gary George, Building Services Manager and Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles