Craving a cultural experience? You’ve arrived at The Concourse in Chatswood. It is more than just a building. The Concourse is a vibrant hub for arts and entertainment.
The Concourse opened in September 2011. But its story began long before. The site was once home to Willoughby’s Town Hall. This original town hall was built in 1903. It shared space with the Council Pound, the School of Arts and the Ku-ring-gai Masonic Lodge. An administration building followed in 1967. A fourth floor was added in 1980.
Fast forward to the 21st century. The old buildings were demolished. Construction of The Concourse began in 2008. The price tag was approximately $162 million. The Concourse was officially opened on September 17 2011. Then Governor Marie Bashir and Mayor Pat Reilly cut the ribbon.
Designed by Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp architects, The Concourse boasts impressive facilities. There is a 1000-seat concert hall. A 500-seat theatre is ready for performances. The Civic Pavilion also seats 500. You will also find rehearsal spaces and the Chatswood Library here. Cafes and retail outlets add to the appeal. A boutique hotel is also part of the complex. The Concourse even incorporates a 5000 m3 stormwater detention tank. This is part of an integrated water management system.
The Art Space on The Concourse offers 92 m2 of exhibition space. It hosts local artists and art collectives. Chatswood Library spans over 5000 m2. It is located on the lower ground level.
Many leading figures in Australia’s arts scene are patrons of The Concourse. Soprano Yvonne Kenny and poet Les Murray are among them. Authors Matthew Reilly and Renée Goossens are also supporters. Even rock icon Angry Anderson AM is a patron.
The Ensemble Theatre has staged productions here. In 2014 Sandra Bates directed David Williamson’s Jack Manning Trilogy. Face to Face, A Conversation and Charitable Intent were performed back-to-back. In 2016 Bates reunited with Todd McKenney and Nancye Hayes. They reprised their 2006 production of Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks. It became the Ensemble’s most successful production in 58 years.
Today The Concourse continues its legacy. It offers a mix of live theatre, dance and music. Business events and exhibitions also take place here. The outdoor Urban Screen provides free entertainment. Digital art, open-air cinema and live sports are shown. Sold-out performances are even broadcast live. The Concourse is truly the cultural home of the North Shore. It is a meeting place for all occasions.