The City of Sydney seeks creative + community- minded candidates to occupy Paddington space

Cultural and creative organisations across Sydney have the opportunity to bring their ideas to life in an affordable, multi-purpose creative space in Paddington.

The City of Sydney is seeking creative and community-minded candidates to occupy its two-storey, 663-square metre space at Paddington Town Hall for 15 months, at a reduced rate.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City’s accommodation grants helped make Sydney more liveable, inclusive and creative.

Says Moore: “Opening up City-owned properties gives community groups and creative organisations the space they need, and sometimes couldn’t otherwise afford, to work on projects that improve our city.

“Our accommodation grants program currently supports 67 organisations across 44 City sites, including artist cooperatives, community services, education programs and childcare services.

“We are employing all of the tools at our disposal – from planning and regulation, to grants and sponsorships, to making use of our City properties like Paddington Town Hall – to foster a genuinely creative city culture.

“We do this because we want our city to be recognised internationally for its cultural life, just as it is already recognised for its natural beauty.

“This is a great opportunity for enthusiastic and creative minds to contribute to the local community through creative initiatives that encourage community development.”

The space, located at 247 Oxford Street, Paddington, was previously occupied by Metro Screen and includes a green screen studio with an upper-floor editing suite, several office spaces, meeting rooms and classrooms.

Given the existing amenities, preferred tenants are organisations that have a cultural or creative focus and:

Work in film, video, production, or events, or projects who work with these groups;

Will make use of the premise’s equipment and facilities;

Are a sector-focused organisation with considerable expertise in the arts industry; and

Have a thorough management plan for delivering the proposed service.

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate how their project plan will utilise all areas of the premises and deliver cultural outcomes.

Proposals will also be considered for sharing of space, with a lead organisation directly managing the multiple entities. The successful applicants are expected to be able to move into the property in late 2016.

Applications close on 25 July.

For information on the application process, including details on how to register for the property inspections times, visit cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/accommodation-grants.