Sutherland Entertainment Centre has unveiled plans for a $15 million renovation that will transform the 40-year-old venue into a modern performing arts facility while preserving its community-focused character.

The upgrade, funded by Sutherland Shire Council with support from the NSW Government’s cultural infrastructure program, addresses long-standing issues with seating comfort, acoustics, and backstage facilities that have limited the venue’s ability to attract touring productions.

Planned Improvements

The renovation, scheduled to begin in March 2026, includes:

Auditorium Upgrades

• Complete replacement of all 1,040 seats with modern, comfortable seating
• Improved sightlines through tiered floor reconstruction
• Enhanced acoustics with new ceiling treatments and wall panels
• Upgraded air conditioning for year-round comfort

Stage and Technical

• Expanded stage depth to accommodate larger productions
• New fly system for theatrical scenery
• State-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment
• Improved loading dock access for touring equipment

Backstage Facilities

• Six new dressing rooms (up from three)
• Green room with kitchen facilities
• Accessible amenities throughout
• Expanded storage for local theatre companies

Front of House

• Redesigned foyer with improved crowd flow
• New café and bar facilities
• Upgraded ticketing area
• Accessible seating options in prime locations

Why Now

The Sutherland Entertainment Centre, built in 1985, has served generations of Shire residents as a venue for everything from school concerts to professional touring shows. However, its facilities have fallen behind contemporary standards.

“Major touring productions often bypass us because our backstage facilities can’t accommodate their requirements,” explained venue manager Christine Palmer. “We lose shows to venues in the city that families in the Shire then have to travel to see. These upgrades will change that.”

The timing also relates to building compliance requirements, with several systems approaching end-of-life and requiring replacement regardless of broader renovation plans.

Community Consultation

Council conducted extensive community consultation over the past two years, with clear themes emerging:

• Keep ticket prices affordable
• Maintain focus on community use (school performances, local theatre)
• Improve accessibility for patrons with disabilities
• Retain the venue’s intimate atmosphere despite upgrades

“People love this place,” Palmer noted. “They have memories of their kids’ first school concerts, their own performances in local theatre productions. We heard loud and clear that they don’t want a sterile, soulless new building. They want their entertainment centre, just better.”

The design responds to this feedback by preserving the venue’s 1,000-seat capacity rather than expanding it, maintaining the intimate feel that distinguishes it from larger city venues.

Impact on Local Arts

Local theatre companies that call the venue home will be temporarily relocated during construction:

• Sutherland Shire Theatre Company: To Sutherland School of Arts
• Southern Youth Orchestra: To various school facilities
• Local dance schools: To Sutherland Leisure Centre

Council has committed to subsidising rental costs for these groups during the displacement period.

Timeline

• March 2026: Construction begins
• October 2026: Expected completion
• November 2026: Reopening season begins

The reopening will feature a special program showcasing local talent alongside professional productions, with a community open day allowing residents to tour the new facilities.

Residents can view detailed plans and provide feedback at the council’s community engagement portal until December 20.