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FAQ and contact

Why was the Civic Centre demolished?

The former Civic Centre did not provide adequate facilities for performers, the foyer space was limited, and the toilets were unable to cater for the numbers of patrons. Performers, often large numbers of students, had nowhere to gather before going on stage due to insufficient space. People with disabilities had limited access, especially to performing areas such as the stage, and there were no facilities for hearing impaired patrons. The lack of storage areas and the loading bays could not be addressed due to the proximity of the building to Ferguson Lane. Costs to renovate the former Civic Centre to bring it into line with current building safety regulations were prohibitive.


What has happened to the Bicentennial Banners? Have they been relocated to a different place for exhibition in the interim period?

Due to the size and importance of the Bicentennial Banners they are unable to be displayed during the construction of Civic Place. The banners were carefully removed and are being stored in a temperature and moisture controlled environment. When Civic Place is completed they are to take pride of place behind glass on the southern wall of Civic Hall.


What other items of heritage significance will be kept?

All items of heritage including plaques and trophies will be relocated to the new buildings. Several of the historic plaques have been moved and will be remounted at the doorway of the western end of Civic Place. The rest will be photographed and where possible become part of the library’s Local Studies collection. The Mansell Mural, the mosaic that was on the side of Council’s former administration building, has had segments preserved which will be put up as part of a display in the new facilities.


Have you employed a builder yet?

Yes. The contract was awarded to A W Edwards Pty Ltd  after a lengthy tender evaluation and value management process. The contract was signed on 9 July 2008. Council officially handed over the Civic Place site to A W Edwards Pty Ltd on 14 July 2008.


Will there be noise?

During the next six months excavators will be used to remove clay, then shale and then sandstone from the site. No rock breaking is anticipated in the upper two materials. The lower level of excavation will involve sandstone being removed, however, due to the depth of 12 metres noise will be largely contained within the site.

How much dust will there be?

Not a lot of dust is expected. Excavation does not create the same level of dust as the demolition of old buildings above ground.

Will any roads be blocked for cars and pedestrians?

Ferguson Lane will be reduced to a single lane, to be used only for construction traffic and access to adjacent properties.

What are the construction hours?

The Development Approval for Civic Place allows work to be carried out from 7am to 6pm Mondays to Saturdays.

Is there anywhere else for events to be held?

Other Council supported venues such as the Zenith Theatre, Joe Ciantar Music Studio and The Haven Amphitheatre will continue as normal. Some inconvenience is unavoidable as the current Civic Centre is an important building with many community users. However, once Civic Place is built there will be more places to hold concerts and plays in Willoughby and the artistic and musical communities will benefit.


Will there be traffic disruption?

Obviously with a construction of this scale there will be disruptions, however, A W Edwards has submitted a traffic management plan as part of its overall construction management plan. The plan ensures that traffic disruptions are kept to a minimum.


What will the Willoughby Symphony and Choir do in the meantime?

They will keep on performing! The Willoughby Symphony will continue its usual subscription series, and tickets for individual performances will be sold as normal. Read more about the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra and upcoming performances. Symphony and choir rehearsals will continue in the Joe Ciantar Music Studio.


What has happened to the WurliTzer Organ?

The WurliTzer Organ has been moved from the former Civic Centre, separated into its components, and put into professional storage while Civic Place is being built. When Civic Place is completed it will be installed in the 1000-seat concert hall.

A computer upgrade will allow it to interact with a newer computer once installed in Civic Place.


What performance venues will be available while Civic Place is being built?

Other Council supported venues such as the Zenith Theatre, Joe Ciantar Music Studio and The Haven Amphitheatre will continue as normal. For assistance in planning your event or enquiries about venues please contact the Performing Arts Unit of Willoughby City Council on 9411 7088 or via email at paunit@willoughby.nsw.gov.au.

It will, of course, be more difficult for some presenters to find a venue during construction. Some inconvenience is unavoidable as the former Civic Centre was an important building for many community users. However, once Civic Place is built there will be more places to hold concerts and plays in Willoughby and then artistic and musical communities will benefit.


What’s the Civic Place Water Management System, and how will it work?

This water saving scheme will harvest stormwater from buildings in the Chatswood CBD for reuse within Civic Place for non-drinking purposes. Not only will capturing this rain save 25 mega litres of drinking water a year, but it will also reduce stormwater flooding from concreted areas into the catchment, carrying much rubbish with it. It may also supply water for use at local sporting fields.

The scheme was devised during the planning of Civic Place by Council engineers. The Federal government and NSW State government have awarded Willoughby City Council a total of $3.8 million to implement the plan. The tank storing the water will be under Ferguson Lane.


What steps are being taken to reduce energy consumption?

Listed below are just some of the energy-saving steps planned for Civic Place:

  • Using chilled beam air conditioning in the Library will use 30% less energy than normal air conditioning
  • The foyers will have natural ventilation, only boosted mechanically when necessary
  • The performance spaces will use energy efficient lighting; while light sensors will be installed all across the building to make sure the lights are off when not in use