Queensland
North Queensland
The story of the new Proserpine Entertainment Centre is one of community and collaboration. All three levels of government contributed to a new start. The impetus for the project was borne of the impact of Cyclone Debbie on the existing building. CA Architects and Cox Architecture were subsequently commissioned by the Whitsunday Regional Council to create a multipurpose performance hall for community events, gathering, performances and entertainment.
The brief evolved where a strong view was formed that providing a flexible principle space with smaller support spaces was most likely to suit the diverse functional needs of Proserpine. As such, a multifunctional was designed, focussing on engaging with the street and wider precinct to deliver outcomes that can contribute to Proserpine’s’ identity and economic prosperity.
The Proserpine Entertainment Centre demonstrates a remarkable journey of resilience, community collaboration, and architectural excellence. This project, born out of the aftermath of Cyclone Debbie, stands as a symbol of rebirth and renewal for the Proserpine community in northern Queensland.
The inclusion of a verandah space not only responds to the tropical climate but also adds street presence and identity to the centre. Furthermore, combined with a solar panel system, the state-of-the-art theatre and lighting ensure sustainable operations and reduced operating costs.
This award recognises an unwavering commitment to resilience, cultural heritage, and the creation of a vibrant community facility that exceeds the brief and embodies the spirit of Proserpine.
The new PEC will be a landmark facility in Proserpine for many years to come. Looking at the damaged entertainment centre after Cyclone Debbie in 2017 was heart-breaking but it was only when the full extent of the damage was known that the reconstruction project took on a much larger scale. While the damage was devastating for locals, we have rebuilt & produced something that takes the centre to a new level. Before and after, it’s like comparing a Holden Kingswood to a Ferrari…the greatest thing to happen to Prossie since Sandy Munro and Joe Afribo introduced sliced bread to Proserpine!
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
