Surf Coast Shire Council has developed a new plan to deliver an upgraded Torquay Library and refurbished Australian National Surfing Museum, and shelved plans for creation of a Surf Coast Cultural Centre.
Since 2020 Council has advocated for a new centre building incorporating the library, museum and Torquay Multi Arts Centre, but significantly escalated costs, along with other factors, have influenced a shift in direction.
Council resolved at its April meeting to separate the projects and start planning for a new standalone library to meet existing and future needs, and for refurbishment of the museum at its existing site.
The multi arts centre will continue as a standalone community-run asset, having undergone $1.8 million improvements during the past few years.
Deputy Mayor Tony Phelps: "The estimated total cost of delivering the Surf Coast Cultural Centre in 2021 was $53.6 million but that price has risen to $73.1 million, with a now marginal cost-benefit ratio making securing of grant allocations extremely challenging.
"While an all-in-one cultural centre would have been an outstanding asset for our community and region, we have a pressing need to move forward planning for a new library for our growing community, as well as refurbishment of the ageing Australian National Surfing Museum.
"Creating distinct projects should enable us to progress with far less challenging costs and still deliver high-quality facilities which will serve our community for decades to come.
"With this approach the estimated total cost for the three projects is put at $18.3 million, comprising $15 million for a new library, $1.5 million for the Surfing Museum and $1.8 million spent on the already completed Multi-Arts Centre."
Six applications for funding for the cultural centre project have proven unsuccessful since 2021.
Funding for the new standalone library would be supported by $8.9 million in developer and Council contributions already tied to redevelopment or replacement of the facility. The funding cannot be used for another purpose, as dictated by the Torquay-Jan Juc Development Contributions Plan.
The existing library has 380sqm floorspace and needs to be between 1,200sqm and 1,600sqm to service existing and future population.
The Australian National Surfing Museum has not undergone major refurbishment since 1993.
Major renewal of the building is now required under Council's Asset Management Framework, and funding of $1.5 million has been proposed in the 2026-27 Draft Budget Asset Renewal Program.
The Multi Arts Centre includes popular theatre and gallery spaces occupying the former Surf Coast sports stadium.
