The Macquarie Conservatorium will occupy 139 Darling Street for at least the next five years, following a resolution of Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) during the 27 April 2023 Ordinary Council Meeting.
Councillors determined the CEO would negotiate the terms of a lease agreement for the Macquarie Conservatorium to occupy the old Carpet Court Building with a peppercorn lease for a period of five years, with an option for an additional five-year term by mutual agreement.
The lease amount will be reviewed at the end of the initial five-year period and the Macquarie Conservatorium will be responsible for all outgoings under the lease arrangements, including the fit out, repairs and maintenance.
Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council Mathew Dickerson said the final result was a great outcome for the community and for the Macquarie Conservatorium.
“The Macquarie Conservatorium is a great facility for our city and having ‘The Con’ in Dubbo helps attract people to Dubbo from other areas,” Clr Dickerson said.
“When people are looking at moving to Dubbo, they look at what extracurricular activities they can undertake as part of the overall attraction of the city. That includes musical education as well as educational services; sports facilities; medical resources; service organisations and even retail experiences. ‘The Con’ is an important part of our community and having them in the one central location for the next five to ten years is a positive outcome.”
The Macquarie Conservatorium has previously occupied a Department of Education building but was advised their current lease arrangement would not be renewed past December 2022. They were granted an extension to their lease to assist with their search for a new location which met their expectations, requirements, financial capacity and investment viability.
“This decision shows that councillors are convinced the money not received in rental income is a good investment in the community,” Clr Dickerson said.
Hundreds of children, youth and adults participate in music education programs each year through the Conservatorium, which is also partly funded by the State Government’s Department of Education to provide musical education services.
During the discussions, councillors determined the lease amount is below market value and it will therefore be considered as a financial assistance grant to the Conservatorium
Councillors also noted the preferred location for the Macquarie Conservatorium remains part of a cultural hub that DRC is considering, which could be located adjacent to the Western Plains Cultural Centre.
