We received 214 submissions from the community during the public exhibition period on the two options: Avalon Annexe, Dunbar Park and Avalon Golf Club House.

Following the exhibition period, the submissions were reviewed and further internal investigations of the sites were conducted. It was clear from community feedback that the Annexe was not the preferred option, with the main concern being loss of a multiuse centre to accommodate an exclusive use art space.

The Avalon Golf Clubhouse, whilst considered a suitable option for creation of work through artist studios and teaching space, was not considered as a viable exhibition space with very limited passing traffic.

During the investigation period an opportunity arose from a recent decision regarding the relocation of Council staff, to consider the Mona Vale Civic Centre as another potential site. This location met all the essential location criteria and user requirements established through the Advisory Group workshops.

In addition, the lower ground of Avalon Golf Club House is proposed to be refurbished into artist studios and a teaching space, creating more studio access and learning opportunities whilst activating an underutilised space.

As a result, at a Council meeting on 26 February 2019, Council resolved to support:

• the refurbishment of the Avalon Golf Club House lower ground floor, within the existing footprint, to include artist’s studios and teaching space
• the repurposing of the Mona Vale Civic Centre into a creative arts space, including exhibition, artists’ studios and teaching space.

View the Council Minutes (Item 11.3) p22.

We will continue to work with the community to create these two new Arts assets for the whole community to enjoy.