The Manning Entertainment Centre, built in 1987, is a core community facility for the Taree and broader MidCoast community. Having been in use for more than 30 years, the Council sought and secured funding to design, construct, and fit-out a multi-purpose flat-floor performance and rehearsal studio space through the NSW Government’s Regional Cultural Fund.

Several engineering disciplines from JN Responsive Engineering, including structural engineer consultants, worked with Austin McFarland Architects to deliver a design that is sensitive to the needs of the local community and producers of events. JN delivered Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering services.

The new design allowed for seating of up to 150 people in addition to the existing main auditorium seating 500, as well as a flexible design that can be used to create rehearsal spaces, break-out spaces, and performance spaces in complement with the existing facility.

The design also incorporates an auditorium, front of house facilities, back of house facilities, loading dock, control room, and storage spaces.

JN Project Team:
Project Team: Building Services Team Lead – Scott McLaughlin
Civil Engineering – Brendon Murr
Civil Drafting – Evan Mechanical Engineering – Scott McLaughlin
Electrical Engineering – Greg Chambers / David Wong
Hydraulic Engineering – Brendon Murr
Hydraulic Drafting – Edward Moreno

Architects: Austin McFarland Architects Pty Ltd (austinmcfarland.com.au)
Images: austinmcfarland.com.au/mec

Client: Midcoast Council (midcoast.nsw.gov.au/Home)