Welcome

Welcome to this first newsletter about The Precinct.

Firstly, thanks for showing an interest in this exciting project to create a state-of-the-art regional performing arts centre (Cairns Performing Arts Centre) and a lush tropical parkland (Munro Martin Parklands).

The project is entering the nitty gritty stage of final designs with our consultant architects and landscape architects putting the last touches on their concepts.

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Pergolas and arbours will showcase amazing tropical vines.

Work about to start

Work on the Munro Martin Parkland redevelopment will begin at the start of September.

When complete in May next year (weather permitting) Munro Martin Park will be transformed into a lush tropical garden with an outdoor performance space.

Generally speaking, works will be conducted between 7am and 5pm on weekdays.

Keep up to date on the works >

Local suppliers a priority

Council's Community Services Committee agreed on 19 August to allocate $10 million from Council's capital works program to fund the Munro Martin Parklands work. (This decision will need to be ratified by the full Council at next week's ordinary meeting.)

At the same time, the committee reinforced that:

"Construction will be undertaken by Cairns Works with various materials and subcontractors sourced from Council’s existing Preferred Supplier Arrangements and Registers of Pre-Qualified Suppliers."

This commits Council to using locally based suppliers wherever possible.

Read the Committee report >

An artist's impression of CPAC from the stage looking over the main auditorium.

CPAC tender

The process for awarding the construction contract for the Cairns Performing Arts Centre has reached a significant milestone.

The EOI process closed at the end of July.

Council is now short-listing candidates to enter the second stage of tendering at which time these experienced contractors can have build-ability input to the design before tendering on the finalised project.”

Catering, toilets and loading dock update

Based on feedback from the performing arts community and our own theatre experts, the CPAC design has been altered slightly to increase the loading dock to make it easier to unload, move and prepare props, and introduce a dedicated space for caterers.

At the same time, there has been a slight reduction in the number of toilets, but rest assured, it's still a significant increase on the Civic Theatre - no more long queues at interval.

Hear what our designers have to say

Andrew Prowse, landscape architect, and Carlo Amerio, architect, explain the motivation behind their designs.

Watch the video on YouTube (2.25min)>

The existing plaque in Munro Martin Park acknowledging the step-sisters

Munro Martin sisters search

We are searching for any living relatives of the Munro Martin step-sisters - and any historic images of the park.

Council would like to recognise the generosity of the Munro Martin families in official celebrations and include their story in the park's heritage walking trail.

We are also searching for any photos of the park that can enhance our interpretative signage.

Time capsule to be preserved

After consultation with the RSL it has been decided to remove the Peace Column outside the Cairns Civic Theatre - but the time capsule will be preserved!

Initial plans are to install the time capsule in the foyer area of the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

Did you know Cairns has three official time capsules?

Have your say

If you have any questions or feedback about The Precinct project please don't hesitate to get in contact with us via theprecinct@cairns.qld.gov.au

And you can always check out the answers to our Frequently Asked Questions.

Cairns Regional Council
119 - 145 Spence St, Cairns
PO Box 359
Cairns Q 4870
Cairns: +61 7 4044 304

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