The results are in for the Bega Valley Regional Gallery development survey, with respondents backing a move to a new site.
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The results showed 52 per cent of the 814 respondents who felt the location would influence their visitation backed a move away from the current site in Bega.
Of those responses, 57 per cent preferred Merimbula as the new site ahead of Bega (28 per cent), Eden (9 per cent) and Bermagui (6 per cent).
Four per cent of total respondents were aged 25 or under, 37 per cent were between 26-55 years of age and 59 per cent were over 55 years of age.
There were more than 1000 comments made by survey respondents reflecting a broad range of concerns and ideas.
Comments related to accessibility, centrality of the BVRG in the shire, the potential to expand to grow programs and offerings, the use of existing buildings, links with tourism and the potential to attract more visitor numbers.
In addition to the survey, seven written submissions were received, including the refurbishment of the Hotel Australasia in Eden as a suitable site.
Submissions from key arts stakeholders, including Four Winds and South East Arts were received.
A letter from Four Winds executive director David Francis stated: “The proposed site in Merimbula makes a lot of sense, in terms of growing the amenities in the town to meet the increasing tourist demand.”
The report, which will be presented at Bega Valley Shire Council’s meeting on Wednesday, November 22, suggested council needed to identify a site in order to progress a potential funding opportunity in round one of the Regional Cultural Fund.
The consultation points to either redeveloping the BVRG in its current location or redeveloping the BVRG in a new site in either Bega or Merimbula areas, with consequences associated with both options.
The capacity and ongoing costs associated with the retro fitting of existing buildings, such as the Hotel Australasia, are unknown.
Council is expected to vote on a site at Wednesday’s meeting in order to meet the deadlines associated with the Regional Cultural Fund.