Killara theatre demolition hinges on $100,000 transfer by 12 August

Ku-ring-gai Council has ordered immediate preparatory and site-establishment work at Marian Street Theatre in Killara, but physical internal demolition to preserve development approval DA 0144/20 will proceed only if $100,000 is transferred to council accounts by Wednesday, 12 August.

Councillors voted unanimously on 10 August to preserve the approval after noting community interest in Round 2 of the Federal Thriving Suburbs grants program. Preserving DA 0144/20 is a prerequisite for that funding opportunity, but no grant has been awarded.

The Save Marian Street Public Fund says it has raised enough to assist with the estimated $100,000 preservation cost. Council’s resolution requires the full amount to arrive by 12 August or earlier. If it is not received, the physical saving works will not commence.

The resolution does not commit council to reopening or rebuilding Marian Street Theatre. Councillors noted that preserving the approval may not lead to the theatre’s revival because of the substantial costs involved and limited funding options.

Longer-term choices for performing-arts infrastructure in Gordon Ward will be considered in a later report. Council will receive at least three options covering projects such as Marian Street Theatre, Gordon Civic Hub, or both, after the Community and Cultural Facilities Strategy update and the outcome of Thriving Suburbs Round 2, both expected in mid-2027.

Possible future funding sources include asset sales in Gordon Ward and other avenues. The St Ives basketball courts rates levy was also identified for consideration after the existing loan is fully paid. No new levy or asset sale was adopted at this meeting.

The Community and Cultural Facilities Review and the Killara Public Domain Plan are also in progress. For Killara residents, site preparation can begin now, while the theatre’s long-term future remains unresolved.