AusLeisure

Willoughby City Council has appointed Century Venues to the new live entertainment and events venues within the city's 'The Concourse' cultural precinct.

The industry-renowned venue operators were selected following a thorough tender process, with their experience and contacts in the industry, ability to produce a mix of community and professional shows and their track record of nurturing young and emerging artists winning over the Council.

A leader in the industry, Century Venues currently manage six venues and a suite of related businesses including film and television product. Their experience also includes the development of the Newtown Entertainment Precinct in conjunction with Sydney City and Marrickville Councils, the Sydney Fringe Festival and the instigation of the live music program for youth Access all Ages.

Willoughby Mayor, Pat Reilly explained "Century Venues' ethos is reflective of that of The Concourse. Together we will ensure a mix of international and national headliners, local community performers and amateur artists feature on The Concourse.

"The partnership between Willoughby City Council and Century Venues will see new and young talent nurtured and the creation of a venue where you will actually be able to perform on the same stage as your favourite professional artist.

"Century Venues' management of The Concourse will see the venue become a dynamic, accessible and progressive nucleus for live arts and performance. The partnership will also make The Concourse a financially robust business.

"The management of other leading Sydney venues including the Metro and the Enmore Theatre has enabled Century Venues to develop strong industry contacts which will enable them to secure a variety of artists, however, it is their commitment to developing and nurturing new talent and community programming that is vital to running The Concourse."

Greg Khoury, Century Venues' Director of Business Development, is excited about the potential of the venue with its unique offering and variety of performance spaces, stating "Century will work with local community artists and groups, schools and the performing arts sector to operate the facility as more than just a hall for hire.

"Part of our roll will be that of a producer, guiding the venue to develop its own product. This could result in the creation of Sydney Fringe Festival or Sydney Comedy Festival hubs for The Concourse." Set to open later this year, The Concourse will become one of Sydney's most vibrant and exciting entertainment destinations. Conveniently located in the centre of Chatswood on Sydney's North Shore, The Concourse will offer a unique mix of venues, including a concert hall, theatre conference and event venues, library, retail and dining, on site car park, outdoor urban screen and open space.

The Concourse includes:

• Chatswood Library – 5,000 metre². Set to be one of NSW's busiest libraries, Chatswood Library on The Concourse will offer separate study areas, meeting rooms, training facilities, multilingual collections in more than 10 languages and will be equipped with the latest technology including self-checkouts, a modern security system and an automated handling system.

Performing Arts Centre

• The Concert Hall – 1,000 seats. Acoustically excellent, the Concert Hall provides a sensational atmosphere for a diverse range of performances, from classical music and chamber ensembles to jazz, world and pop music.
• The Theatre – 500 seats. The Theatre will attract regular seasons of professional touring theatre companies, lectures and seminars and musical and theatre shows.
• The Civic Pavilion – 509 metre²
• The Studio – 149 metre²
• Rehearsal Room – 149 metre²
• Green Room – 119 metre²
• Orchestra Room – 115 metre²
• Chorus Room – 72 metre²
• The Lounge – 50 metre² 
• Boardroom Art Space – 90 metre²

It also includes an outdoor urban screen along with retail and dining space.

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