Charles Sturt University is surrendering the lease of its Charles Sturt Riverina Playhouse to Wagga Wagga City Council (WWCC) after 40-plus years of history with the facility.

Wagga Wagga City Council will resume control of the Riverina Playhouse from Wednesday 1 July.

Charles Sturt Acting Chief Operating Officer Ms Sandra Sharpham said returning the facility to WWCC would benefit arts in the Riverina region.

“Charles Sturt University and Wagga Wagga City Council are working proactively to ensure a seamless transition that preserves the Riverina Playhouse as a wonderful cultural asset for the community,” she said.

“Returning the facility back to Council will enable it to be used to support civic and community-based activities, including drama and other theatrical productions, music and associated cultural activities on an ongoing basis.”

Wagga Wagga City Council’s Director Economy, Business and Workplace Fiona Piltz agreed that the facility will be a wonderful addition to the community’s creative spaces.

“Council has been looking at the future of the facility and has incorporated it into proposed plans for a new Entertainment Centre and Cultural Precinct,” Ms Piltz said.

“Having the Riverina Playhouse back under the management of the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre will expand the theatre’s offerings to the community.

Existing bookings at the facility will remain in place, and Charles Sturt and WWCC will work together to facilitate future bookings until the handover date.

The Riverina Playhouse was constructed in 1986 as a joint venture between Charles Sturt, then known as the Riverina Murray Institute of Higher Education, and the Riverina Theatre Company.

Throughout the years, the University and Council has worked together to hire out the venue to external clients, such as the Comedy Festival, Riverina Conservatorium of Music, Wagga Wagga Eisteddfod, Women’s Health, Voices – Mental Health and national music tours.