Orchestra searches for new home

Falling star: The Northern Rivers Symphony Orchestra, pictured at the now closed Seagulls Stardust Room, are searching for a new home in the Tweed.

CLASSICAL music needs a new home in Tweed Heads.

The Northern Rivers Symphony Orchestra (NRSO) is spearheading a proposal for a Tweed Valley Arts Centre after closure of the Stardust Room at the Seagulls Club.

Orchestra publicity co-ordinator Tony Archer said the organisation would lobby for a suitable performance venue.

“That auditorium was the only one able to seat as many as 1400 patrons, and we sorely miss it as the stage held the full orchestra of 70-plus musicians and was able to have dancers as well,” Mr Archer said.

The Stardust Room has been closed since late last year, and is being converted into a sports and rock-climbing facility.

Mr Archer said the Tweed Heads Civic Centre was currently the best orchestral venue, but fell short, with seating for only 300 people and a stage limited to 40 players.

“So the people of the Tweed and lower Gold Coast are missing out on experiencing the wonder of a full size symphony orchestra considered to be the best in regional Australia,” he said.

Tweed Shire Council manager of community and cultural services Gary Corbett said council was considering its options and agreed loss of the Stardust Room was a blow to the region's performing arts.

“A facility would return an economic benefit in the long-term as it would create employment in the arts and tourism,” Mr Corbett said.

Funding from federal, state, local governments, companies and the public would be sought for a facility capable of seating 1200, accommodating a full orchestra and holding other performances in jazz, pop, ballet, opera, musicals and theatre.

Plans for the arts centre would also involve an intimate theatre, meeting rooms, restaurant, cafe, information centre, gift shop and gallery.

Proposed solutions include a $15 to $25 million centre at the Jack Evans Boat Harbour, an open-air venue in a suitable location, or leasing of the Stardust Room as the cheapest, most promising option despite its closure.