Quarry Amphitheatre Concept Master Plan

About the Quarry Amphitheatre

Built in 1985, the Town of Cambridge owned Quarry Amphitheatre is an iconic outdoor entertainment venue perched high on Reabold Hill in Floreat.

In its natural bushland setting The Quarry can seat for up to 556 guests on grassed terraces, all of whom will marvel at the soaring limestone walls and breathtaking views across the city and beyond.

Visitors are treated to a delightfully intimate and informal atmosphere - the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy the many events staged during the performance season that runs from November to March each year.

The Quarry is licensed with a selection of delicious food hampers available.  If preferred patrons are most welcome to bring along their own food and beverages.  The Quarry Amphitheatre is also available for hire for corporate and social events, including weddings.

Background to the Concept Master Plan development

Due to the age of the Quarry Amphitheatre it has been recognised for some time that elements of the facility are in need of remedial work.

To address this a Feasibility Study was conducted by consultants Hames Sharley in 2011, to determine the feasibilty of the facility and to identify improvement opportunities.  Received by Council in 2011 the study indentified required maintenance and minor capital works but did not provide a vision for any major works.

In May 2012 the Town appointed architects Cox Howlett and Bailey together with specialist theatre consultant Mr Graham Walne to undertake a design review and develop a Concept Master Plan, with a staged approach to the proposed works.

The Concept Master Plan was presented to Council in November 2012 resulting in the following Council decision:

That:-

(i) the Quarry Amphitheatre Concept Master Plan be endorsed, subject to the outcome of the Community Consultation Process;

(ii) sources of grant funding be investigated;

(iii) community consultation on the Quarry Amphitheatre Concept Master Plan be commenced and conclude on 15 February 2013 with a notation included that the Master Plan is currently unfunded and is subject to the sourcing of funds; and

(iv) a further report be presented on (ii) and (iii) above, stage surface/design analysis and financial modelling.

   Download the full Council report CR12.178 Quarry Amphitheatre Concept Master Plan here.

The Quarry Amphitheatre Concept Master Plan

• Council does not have a 'Do Nothing' option - the facility is 27 years old and in need of remedial work.
• Making the most of the opportunities - the research required for the remedial work has highlighted an opportunity to enhance the facilities at the Quarry.  These opportunities include:
  • increased seating capacity;
  • upgraded technical facilities;
  • improved access and storage;
  • new toilets and front of house facilities;
  • a new picnic area; and
  • increased parking.
• Maintaining key parameters - in producing the Concept Master Plan the design team was, and will continue to be, mindful of the critical characteristics of the Quarry Amphitheatre.  These features include its unique ambience and historic connections, and the design team will seek to balance these aspects with increased seating capacity and better access.
• Overall aim of the project - to ensure all aspects of the design result in optimum venue usage and financial viability.
• No firm decisions have been made yet - the Council endorsed the Concept Master Plan but further action on this plan is subject to the outcomes of Community Consultation and financial considerations.
• Funding - the Concept Master Plan is currently unfunded and approval of any works will be subject to sourcing funding.  However, the plan provides the opportunity to apply for grant funding to assist in achieving the upgrade.
• Making sure the capital cost estimates are accurate - studies by two architectural practices (and quantity surveyors) have provided schedules of cost estimates of the work described in the Concept Master Plan.  The most recent cost estimate is a total project cost of approximately $6 million.  Cost estimates will be updated and tested at each stage of the project.

    Download a Quarry Amphitheatre Concept Master Plan Fact Sheet

Download the complete Quarry Amphitheatre Concept Master Plan below.

Due to the size, and for ease of download, the document it has been split into individual sections (Note: Section 5 was not listed in the Master Plan document).  Scroll down for a gallery of plans and 3D images.

   Section_1_-_Executive_Summary

   Section_2_-_Existing_Conditions

   Section_3_-_Design_Review

   Section_3A_-_Design_Review_-_June_2012

   Section_3B_-_Design_Review_-_August_2012

   Section_3C_-_Design_Review_-_September_2012

   Section_3Da_-_Design_Review_-_October_2012

   Section_3Db_-_Design_Review_-_October_2012

   Section_4_-_Theatre_Consultant_Report

   Section_6_-_Structural_Analysis

   Section_7_-_Infrastructure_Analysis

   Section_8_-_Program_Analysis_and_Delivery

   Section_9_-_Cost_Analysis

   Section_10_-_Recommendations

Tell us what you Think!

The public consultation period closed on Friday. 15 February 2013. Results of the consultation will be reported to Council in the coming months.

Quarry Amphitheatre Concept Master Plan - Plans and 3D images of stages

*Select the image to view larger version.