For over 100 years, Marian Street Theatre has been a gathering place for Ku-ring-gai; from its early days as a memorial hall to its evolution into one of Australia’s most respected suburban theatres. Thousands of artists have performed there, and generations of locals have treasured memories of their own local theatre – but it has lain derelict for 13 years.
Key Takeaways
- DA Expiry Crisis: The community must preserve the approved Development Application designed by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer before it expires on 19 August.
- Sunk Investment: Ku-ring-gai Council's decision to abandon the project on 16 June puts $1.7 million of architectural design and public planning investment at immediate risk.
- Community Protest: The "Rally in Red" will take place outside Gordon Library on Sunday 2 August from 12 pm to 2 pm to demand the local council reverse its decision.
- Infrastructure Deficit: Despite extensive sports infrastructure, Ku-ring-gai currently has no dedicated, publicly accessible performing arts venue.
Residents, artists and community organisations will gather outside Gordon Library on Sunday 2 August for Rally in Red, a community protest calling on Ku-ring-gai Council to preserve the approved Development Application (DA) for Marian St Theatre before it expires on 19 August.
The rally follows Ku-ring-gai Council’s decision on 16 June to abandon the approved redevelopment after more than 20 years of reports, consultation and planning, placing $1.7 million of public investment in architectural design and community engagement at risk.
If the DA expires, the only approved pathway to reopening Marian St Theatre as a contemporary Arts Centre will be lost.
Marian St Theatre Action Chair Jessica Blaxland Ashby said the community was determined not to let that happen. “There are just weeks left to save the approved plans for Marian St Theatre. Stand with us before it’s too late.”
The approved redevelopment, designed by nationally recognised theatre architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer, would transform Marian St Theatre into a contemporary Arts Centre with spaces for theatre, music, dance, exhibitions & community events.
Ku-ring-gai has 44 sports fields, 67 tennis courts, two golf courses and recently spent $26.6 million on two basketball courts inside a high school, yet has no dedicated, publicly accessible performing arts venue. The Marian St redevelopment would fill that gap and create a vibrant, accessible cultural destination.
The campaign has gathered momentum since Council’s decision, with the NSW Parliamentary petition attracting strong community support and the future of Marian St Theatre being raised in both the Australian and NSW Parliaments this week.
Federal Member for Bradfield, Nicolette Boele, said: “It’s critical when we recognise and we preserve cultural heritage. And to ensure that there is adequate arts infrastructure for our growing communities on the North Shore.”
State Member for Davidson Matt Cross said: “I thank all volunteers who are selfless in their work to promote culture and arts in Ku-ring-gai. I look forward to continuing my support for the group and I thank Marian St ACTION.”
Greens Senator David Shoebridge said: “I’ve experienced the love of live theatre at Marian Street Theatre and I 100% believe that opportunity needs to be there for future generations.”
Patron of Marian St Theatre Action and acclaimed playwright David Williamson said: “The design of the renovation is first-class, but the council keeps deferring a decision while approving expensive sports oval developments, demonstrating yet again where the arts rate in our national psyche.”
Marian St Theatre Action Committee member Tony Bates says: “The community did everything Council asked. We participated in consultation after consultation and were repeatedly assured these approved plans would be preserved. Instead, Councillors blindsided us all at the last minute. Put a shovel in the ground and get Marian St Theatre open.”
