Pavilion outcry

KIAMA council will persist with the existing design for the showground pavilion, despite some community concerns about its adaptability.

Even though there was extensive community consultation about the design, there have been some latecomers expressing their views.

Kiama and District Arts Council secretary Mary Wharton described the plans for the upgrades as "very bad" because they did not allow for the pavilion to be used as a "proper" theatre.

"It will just be a rectangular space and no stage. They're making it beautiful on the outside, but I think it's a waste of a lot of money," she said.

Ken Methold, who used to run a travelling theatre company in Queensland, echoed Mrs Wharton's thoughts, saying a performance venue was more than just a large hall.

"The exterior look is nowhere near as important as what's inside," he said.

"It needs a proper stage, it needs dressing rooms, it needs adequate lighting and sound systems and proper stackable chairs.

"I think council is going to make a disastrous mistake and spend a great deal of money on a venue that still won't be good enough to put proper shows on."

The council has budgeted $4.5 million for the upgrades, which include an enlarged seating area to fit 350 people, outdoor terraced areas and more utility rooms, including a band practice area.

But Mrs Wharton said it would still be "just a box meant to display food, fruit and handiwork."

"It's in a fantastic spot because it's overlooking the sea and people really wanted them to do more with it," she said

The proposal for the upgrades went on public exhibition in 2005 after a committee considered the existing design along with options for a minor upgrade.

During the consultation period, the council held two community meetings where members of the public could talk to the architects about the plans.

Council general manager Michael Forsyth said that at the time of exhibition the council received only a couple of submissions, "mainly about detail".

"We had very positive feedback at the time it was exhibited," he said. "For once there seemed to be agreement with all the groups involved."

The committee formed to consider the pavilion's fate consisted of representatives from the council, the architect firm, Kiama Cultural Development Board, Kiama Rugby Union, the Show Society, Kiama Junior League, Kiama Knights and the jazz club.

Mr Forsyth said one of the main considerations in choosing a design was the flexibility needed for a venue that had so many different uses.

Mr Methold said the council should have engaged Gordon Streek form Roo Theatre as a consultant, because "most architects know nothing about performance venues".