The beloved cultural landmark - Glen Street Theatre in Belrose has received generous grant funding to upgrade its lighting system.

The $71,812 funding from the NSW Government will be matched by Council resulting in almost $144,000 to greatly improve the theatre’s energy efficiency, reduce operational and maintenance costs, reduce heat in the theatre and therefore cooling demand, improve safety for stage employees, enriching the audience experience and bringing the theatre in line with industry standards.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said Glen Street Theatre has been a cornerstone of the Northern Beaches cultural community for 40 years, hosting a diverse array of theatrical productions, concerts, and community events.

"We are incredibly grateful for the NSW Government’s support. This grant allows us to significantly improve our technical capabilities and continue to offer exceptional performances to our patrons.

“The new lighting system will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of our shows but also contribute to a more sustainable and efficient operation with over 43,000kWh/yr electricity savings and up to $25,000 saved annually in operational and power costs.

“In matching the grant, Council continues to honour and commit to the Arts and Culture sector as an essential part of enriching the lives of people on the Northern Beaches.” Mayor Heins said.

In 2023/24 the 395-capacity theatre delivered 380 events to over 74,000 attendees.  

The project will upgrade outdated incandescent lighting fixtures with 42 LED lights and is expected to be completed by August just in time for the upcoming season of Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap.

The grant was made possible thanks to the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program which aims to create more vibrant and inclusive communities by supporting community infrastructure projects that encourage community participation, inclusion and cohesion.