Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre
Located in the quiet rural town of Picton, the Wollondilly Performing Arts Centre is a highly flexible, multi-function studio theatre designed to support a wide range of cultural, and community uses.
The venue accommodates theatre and concert configurations for 200-500 patrons, as well as conferences and sit-down dining. A large retractable seating bank allows the main theatre space to be easily transformed into a function venue, supported by professional backstage facilities, a commercial kitchen and bar.
CLIENT
Wollondilly Shire Council / Williams Ross Architects
LOCATION
Picton, NSW
COMPLETED
2024
Our Scope
Marshall Day Acoustics provided full acoustic design services for the project, including room acoustic design of the performance space, building acoustics, mechanical services noise control, and environmental noise assessment. The design approach supported the venue’s high level of flexibility, ensuring acoustic performance across a wide range of community uses.
A key design feature was the incorporation of a large acoustic sliding door between the theatre and foyer. This allows the spaces to open and connect in exhibition mode, while maintaining effective acoustic separation during performances.
Challenges
One of the major challenges was the centre’s location directly across from residential properties in a quiet part of Picton. The venue’s design needed to accommodate amplified live music events without causing disturbance to nearby residents, a task made more complex by the inclusion of a window on the façade facing those homes, designed to provide a visual connection into the performance space.
Our solution involved working closely with the architect to incorporate a high-performance double-glazed element into the façade. This approach allowed for community engagement with the venue, while effectively protecting residential amenity through effective noise control.
“This centre puts creativity at the heart of the community and will be a home for Wollondilly’s creatives for generations to come. This centre will draw world-class productions and provide a stage for local artists to perform, share their stories and build creative careers.”
PROJECT TEAM
RELATED PROJECTS
