12:00a.m. 4th March 2008

| By Sam Benger

Both mayoral candidates in the regional council election have pledged to fast track the $20 million Caloundra Events Centre upgrade.

Maroochy mayor Joe Natoli and Noosa mayor Bob Abbot were committed to providing the $2.7 million needed from the new Sunshine Coast Regional Council to begin the project, they said at the Events Centre yesterday.

Events Centre chair Joan Sheldon said the redevelopment would increase the seating capacity from 900 to 1400, and provide a new outdoor performance area and big-screen television, a coffee shop, a gallery and exhibition space, a new auditorium and foyer area and more areas for dressing rooms and rehearsal spaces.

Caloundra council has already provided $1.3 million towards the redevelopment and the rest will come from the regional council, state and federal governments, community fundraising and private investment.

Mr Abbot said the redevelopment was the start of a “cultural revolution” on the Sunshine Coast.

He said the construction of The J at Noosa was the beginning of a move towards improved arts and cultural facilities on the Coast, with the future development of Horton Park Golf Course, in Maroochydore, to also include a performing arts complex.

Mr Natoli said the Horton Park development was still at least seven years away and the region needed an arts complex in the short-term.

Firm Architectus has been commissioned for the redevelopment.