Cessnock Achievement Centre

Lioncrest 

Venue and Hire Information

The Cessnock Community Performing Arts Centre (CPAC) is the result of the adaptive re-use of two existing buildings on the corner of Aberdare Road and Vincent Street Cessnock. Although neither is heritage listed, both hold local and social significance. Originally built by Morris Light, these buildings were constructed as open plan modern furniture display showrooms. Morris Light was at one time the Lord Mayor of Newcastle and was instrumental in raising funds for the Newcastle City Town Hall and Civic Theatre. His Cessnock building was a similar design to his earlier Newcastle showroom in Hunter Street, and was believed to be the first steel framed building in the area. It later became the Grace Brothers store in Cessnock. It is quite significant that Morris Light’s Cessnock showroom is now used as the new Cessnock Community Performing Arts Centre.

The theatre sits neatly between the two existing buildings and has been designed using contemporary materials and finishes that subtly contrast with the older buildings. The entire complex totals some 2,000sq.m. with an outdoor stage to the north between the foyer and the Aberdare Hotel , public art and landscaping and parking facilities for 70 cars.

Theatre

The CPAC Theatre seats 466. The comfortable seating is positioned at floor level and raked to allow for uninterrupted sight lines. Seating on the floor area can be removed to allow for tables and chairs to be set up for dining/conference functions etc.
The auditorium is equipped to cater for audience members who may be hearing impaired.

The stage is a Proscenium Arch ( 5000mm high x 8000mm wide ) non fly tower venue. The rigging system is a combination of dead hung masking, a traveller main curtain, mid stage flat black traveller, upstage flat black traveller and a white cyc. The Stage is a flat sprung masonite covered floor painted flat black.

The Theatre is equipped to cover professional staging needs. This includes a Meyer sound system, Strand lighting controls, 132 dimmers and Selecon lighting instruments.

There are four onstage lighting bars raised and lowered on mechanical pile winders. Two box trusses, raised and lowered by chain motors, provide the front of house lighting positions.

There is a small Orchestra pit which if required must have the Thrust Stage pieces removed.

Stairs both Prompt and OPrompt provide access from the Stage to the Auditorium. There is an accessible lift from the Stalls level to the Stage located on Prompt.

Foyer

The spacious foyer is tastefully decorated and furnished and wraps around the box office and bar area. The space contains the Cessnock Hall of Fame and is well lit with natural light from large windows at the front of the building. The space is suitable for special events such as civic receptions, social occasions and events that encourage meeting and greeting.

Kitchen

The kitchen is positioned to allow easy access to and from the theatre and is located adjacent to outdoor areas to maximise opportunities for use. It is has been designed to enable use as a small commercial catering facility if required.

Seniors Room, Program Room and Meeting Room

Located on the ground and first floors are rooms with the capacity for meetings, structured activities such as training seminars, information sessions, social gatherings, indoor health and fitness, rehearsal space, etc. Each room has clear access to toilets as well as kitchenette facilities.

Outdoor Space - North

A purpose built performance area is located to the north of the theatre and has been designed specifically for outdoor entertainment. The 6m by 5m area contains a small raised stage which provides opportunity for performances to audiences located on the adjacent paved area.

Outdoor Space - South

This 12m by 6m area also provides opportunities for outdoor entertainment on a paved platform.

Hiring of Facility

Use of all areas within the facility must be applied for in writing on the form provided. On receipt of your application, Council will assess it and forward a Centre Hire Agreement and tax invoice for the fees and bond. The Agreement must be completed, signed and returned to Council with payment. Payments must be made within 14 days and no later than one week prior to the function.

Council reserves the right to impose additional fees and/or conditions resulting from its assessment of the function.

Council will not confirm the booking or grant access until the Agreement is signed and returned to Council with the bond and fee payment. If you do not require the booking, please advise Council immediately.

• Fees and Charges 
• Conditions of Use 
• Application for Hire 
• Booking Plan
• Seating Plan 

Technical Specifications

• Technical Specifications 
• Lighting Plan - Standard Rig