The Mitchell Conservatorium is on the move.
They are set to take up residence with a community lease in the former Bathurst Railway District Engineers Buildings located on the corner of Piper and Havannah Streets.
After calls for Expressions of Interest in the high profile site, the Mitchell Conservatorium (MitCon) was selected as being the ideal tenant after being recommended by John Holland Rail and subsequently being approved by Transport for NSW.
MitCon had been located in a wing of the Bathurst Court House, but needed to be relocated as that space was needed to house the new District Court Judges assigned to the city.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the EOI of the Bathurst precincts sites was for applicants to demonstrate that they could achieve long-term social and economic success for the Bathurst community.
“MitCon have been in operation since 1978 and are a foundation member of the Association of NSW Regional Conservatoriums and are committed to furthering the enjoyment of, appreciation for, and access to quality music activity for its communities,” Mr Toole said.
“They have a current network of 17 NSW regional conservatoriums and provide music education and participation for students ranging in age from nine months up to 90 years of age, boasts 900 plus students and engages in a broad range of activities from individual and group lessons, community ensemble activities and professional learning opportunities.”
Needless to say MitCon Executive Director Dr Graham Sattler is elated with the result.
“After 43 years of operating our main campus activities out of the West Wing of the Bathurst Courthouse we are excited to be on the move,” he said.
“Following the much publicised notice, some 18 months ago, of our need to vacate a significant part of our premises, we commenced a search for an entire new MitCon homebase.
“Backed by an avalanche of community sentiment, and wholeheartedly supported and assisted by our local member and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole, we were successful in negotiating a lease on the buildings at 130 Havannah Street, adjacent to the Railway Museum, in this exciting new cultural precinct.
“We are thrilled about taking our activities into our new home and welcoming the entire community.
“The grand opening will take place at 3:30pm on Friday July 9, commencing with a Wiradjuri Welcome from our local Elders.”
Dr Sattler said MitCon employs more than 50 professionals and will have about 39 staff working at the new location over its operating periods.
“MitCon consists of three separate campuses in Bathurst, Lithgow and Lachlan with the Bathurst location the main campus, including the administration centre.
“We are proud to partner with multiple organisations to support community cohesion and well-being, including health and disability services, headspace, multicultural, seniors, Aboriginal services, agencies and preschools in regional NSW.”