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Cowes Cultural and Community Centre to celebrate official opening on 2 November 2023

The Bass Coast Shire Council has announced that the new Cowes cultural center opens to the public on November 2, 2023. The official launch, featuring Mayor Cr Michael Whelan and government officials, is set for October 28.

By news@gippsland - 18th September 2023 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council has announced that the new cultural centre in Cowes will be open to the public from Thursday, 2 November 2023. The centre will be officially declared open by Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan along with State and Federal Government officials on Saturday, 28 October.

The new Cowes Cultural and Community Centre will serve both cultural needs and offer an inviting venue for community gatherings, workshops, and events

Cultural hub development

The centre, which is waiting for government endorsement to be named Berninneit, will feature a theatre, library, gallery, museum, community function rooms and offices. A launch program will be released in coming weeks.

Developed and built by Bass Coast Shire Council with additional funding from State and Federal Government, this innovative new Passivhaus designed building will become the new cultural hero of Cowes, bringing arts and performance from across the country to weave in with our existing creative tapestry and history within our region.

Economic gains and name selection

During the construction program, the building has generated 99 jobs and once opened will provide approximately 30 ongoing jobs as well as contributing around $76.4 million in economic benefit over the next five decades.

A Bass Coast public vote chose the First Nation's name of Berninneit (pronounced burn-eh-neet) - meaning "gather together" - for the new centre. Council has endorsed the submission of the name to Geographical Names Victoria for official endorsement.

Cultural hub advancements

Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Michael Whelan said the cultural centre's groundbreaking sustainable design would create a dynamic and interactive destination that would become a source of civic pride. "It will bring together the cultural and social aspirations of the community and draw in visitors to showcase the region's rich history and culture. We are proud of the emergence of this living cultural space that will provide world class diverse programs enriched with local art and performance."

"The new centre will expand and diversify existing community programs and services that support the local community's needs both now and into the future. Tickets will go on sale soon for a week-long celebration of free and low-cost family friendly community events," Cr Whelan said.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com