Wollongong Conservatorium's future unclear under master plan

CEO Joe Gaudiosi said he was disappointed that the conservatorium’s “38-year history and presence” at the site had been virtually ignored under the draft Wollongong Botanic Garden master plan released in July.

The council’s plan makes no provision for the conservatorium’s continuation at the Gleniffer Brae site after its lease expires in July 2023. Furthermore the red-brick buildings it operates from could be demolished to make way for a new purpose-built function centre.

The proposed centre would be open to the community for appropriate functions, cultural and artistic activities according to the plan, and would have the “potential” to accommodate the conservatorium’s teaching and performances.

“There’s absolutely no clarity around the Con’s continued presence at the gardens,” Mr Gaudiosi said. “And we’re disappointed that despite being here since 1980, the Con is not even listed as a key stakeholder.

“We’ve put in our submission to the council’s draft plan, and would hope that in any revised plan the Con would be seen as being a key partner, not just historically but into the future.”

Other projects detailed in the draft plan include a new public entry to the botanic gardens from Northfields Avenue, a cafe and toilet facility near the duck pond and a new restaurant in the refurbished Cratloe Cottage.

The plan to make the garden “a regional garden of excellence” also has provisions for improved pedestrian and car access and the relocation of the Discovery Centre.

“We have no problem with the overall vision which refers to the principles of education, culture, community and history,” Mr Gaudiosi said.

“These are things we believe are mutually aligned with the Con, which attracts some 1500 people each week to the site, and also works offsite with around 500 school children.

“The red-brick buildings on site aren’t great but we can keep using them – any definitive plans for a replacement building are a long way off.”

The South Coast Labour Council is among the groups and individuals to make submissions to council on the plan. Submissions, which closed on Monday at 5pm, will now be considered and a report provided for council in the coming months.

SCLC secretary Arthur Rorris said the conservatorium played an invaluable role in the Illawarra community, and should be able to continue its good work at its current location beyond 2023.

“We don’t think the plan does wonders for a commitment to music as part of the diverse range of interests and activities in our region … we should be nurturing our artistic and cultural assets,” he said.

“There’s the implication the conservatorium can be located anywhere – and it could – but it’s in a pretty good spot where it is in the educational precinct next to Wollongong university.

“Rather than hindering its long-term tenure, council should be assisting the Con to remain on that site.”

However Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said it was up to the conservatorium to plan for its own future.

“I applaud the conservatorium for what they do and achieve, but I think they need to take their own destiny into their own hands,” he said.

“Those former SCEGGS buildings were acquired by council in 1978 and they are fasting approaching their use-by date and council has an obligation to manage that.

“As to whether something else is put in their place, or whether the conservatorium will need to relocate, that’s subject to future decision making.”