The Adelaide City Council invites engagement from the community about Cirque du Soleil Feedback on a proposed Project Summary Adelaide City Council is currently planning for the development of a portion of Tambawodli (Park 24) as an event space. This project is supported by the Adelaide Park Lands Management Strategy which calls for the creation of a major event space with a strong multi-functional recreation focus at Tambawodli (Park 24). This site has therefore been identified as the best option for a location for Cirque du Soleil. Adelaide City Council has received a proposal from Cirque du Soleil to enter into a long term agreement that will see approximately 5 big top touring shows visiting Adelaide over a 10 year period. Included in this consultation pack: Project Information Frequently Asked Questions Submission Form Site Map For enquiries, please call Jane Roads on 08 8203 7203 or email j.roads@adelaidecitycouncil.com We are now seeking your feedback on a proposed 10 year agreement with Cirque du Soleil, including a hard surface to remain in the Park Lands for the life of the agreement. Consultation closes 5pm, 21 June 2012
Project Information Purpose Adelaide City Council has received a proposal from Cirque du Soleil to enter into a long term agreement that will see approximately 5 big top touring shows visiting Adelaide over a 10 year period. We are now seeking your feedback on a proposed with Cirque du Soleil, including a hard surface to remain in the Park Lands for the life of the agreement. Background Based in Quebec, Canada since 1984, Cirque du Soleil is described as a dramatic mix of circus arts and street entertainment. It is recognized the world over for high-quality, artistic entertainment. By 2011 Cirque du Soleil has grown to feature 21 shows worldwide (9 resident shows and 12 touring shows) with performances in 300 cities across six continents. The big top show runs in each city for approximately 4 to 6 weeks, with about 10 shows per week and a capacity of up to 2,500 spectators per show. Site specifications for the big top show includes: a 20,000 square metre open and level site, free of obstacles, availability for 3 months, asphalt (or similar) hard surface, parking for up to 700 cars, water and sewer access, easily accessible and close to CBD or major event or business hub. Adelaide City Council is currently undertaking detailed design of a portion of Tambawodli (Park 24) for its development as an event space during 2012/13. This project is supported by the Adelaide Park Lands Management Strategy which calls for the creation of a major event space with a strong multi-functional recreation focus at Tambawodli (Park 24). This site has therefore been identified as the best option for a location for Cirque du Soleil. Cirque du Soleil requires a hard surface area of 10,000 square metres that the big top is situated upon. This would be an asphalt overlay on compacted gravel. Another 10,000 square metres of trafficable surface (compacted gravel) is laid surrounding the asphalt to assist with pedestrian traffic and supporting infrastructure. The proposed event site would comprise of a central big top structure with support marquees for a reception foyer, merchandise VIP tent and booking office. Additional infrastructure includes support vehicles, site huts, generators, fencing and signage. In order to facilitate ongoing Cirque du Soleil touring shows coming to Adelaide, Cirque du Soleil will require the 10,000 square metre hard surface (asphalt or similar) to remain in place. The additional 10,000 square metres of temporary compacted gravel will be removed and remediated to grass after each tour. The first big top touring show is currently proposed to perform in Adelaide from 5 December 2012 to 6 January 2013. It is proposed that the hard surface would be laid during the event bump in from October 2012. Cirque du Soleil will cover all costs relating to the construction (and its removal) of the hard surface Car parking for approximately 700 cars is required during performances. On-site car parking will be managed by Adelaide City Council s UPark. At its meeting on 22 May 2012 Adelaide City Council gave approval for Cirque du Soleil to be granted a temporary lease for a one-off event from 28 October 2012 to 1 February 2013 including set up and pull down time. In the event that a including the permanent hard surface is not approved, Cirque du Soleil will be required to remove the hard surface and remediate Tambawodli (Park 24) to its previous condition at the completion of the event. The development of the Plateau area of Tambawodli (Park 24) as an event space is planned to be scheduled in stages around Cirque du Soleil s occupation in December 2012 and January 2013. Benefits of the Project The means that Adelaide will be included on the touring schedule of a world renowned production that will add to Adelaide's cultural event calendar. Five touring shows will visit Adelaide over a period of ten years. Figures provided by Cirque du Soleil indicate that the event brings approximately $6.6 million direct income into the local economy through local production, food and beverage, accommodation, parking, retail and transportation.
Project Impacts A with Cirque du Soleil will mean that a permanent hard surface (asphalt or similar) of 10,000 square metres will remain in Tambawodli (Park 24) for the life of the agreement. Timeline A report will be presented to Adelaide City Council in July for a decision regarding the approval or otherwise of the 10 year agreement with Cirque du Soleil. If approved, construction of the hard surface is scheduled for October 2012 in time for Cirque du Soleil performances to begin on 5 December 2012. Frequently Asked Questions Why does Cirque du Soleil require a hard surface? The hard surface allows Cirque du Soleil to securely maintain their extensive infrastructure (e.g. Big Top and supporting tents) and provide a consistent surface for their equipment. Cirque du Soleil also maintains a standard level of quality for all of its shows and a hard surface assists with accessibility around the site. Why does the hard surface need to remain in the Park Lands? Adelaide has not featured in any Cirque du Soleil touring shows since 2007 due to the lack of a suitable site that includes permanent hard surface. The hard surface would allow Cirque du Soleil to return to Adelaide every two years and could be used for a variety of other events when not in use by Cirque du Soleil. Will the hard surface have any other uses when Cirque du Soleil is not using it? The event space in Tambawodli (Park 24) will be available for a variety of other major events such as music and cultural festivals and other circuses. The hard surface can be utilised for high traffic areas such as catering and toilets which traditionally cause significant wear and tear on turf surfaces. Will sport in Ellis Park (e.g. soccer and athletics) be affected? No. Cirque du Soleil will be located on the area to the west of Ellis Park. The use of Ellis Park for sport will remain unchanged. What happens after the has expired? At the conclusion of the agreement Cirque du Soleil and/or Adelaide City Council may or may not wish to renew the agreement. Should the agreement not be renewed after 10 years, Cirque du Soleil will be responsible for removing the hard surface and remediating the site (to standards set by Adelaide City Council) if required by Adelaide City Council. What is being done about native plants at the site? There are some native plants at the site, predominantly the common species Windmill Grass Chloris truncata. Adelaide City Council is liaising with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources regarding any approvals that may be required for the development of the event space, and regarding management of the native plants. Will there be any parking on-site? Adelaide City Council's UPark will manage on-site car parking for up to 500 cars, at a cost of $15 per car as per Council's fees and charges schedule for car parking on the Park Lands. Some on-street car parking is available in the vicinity. Is there any public transport nearby? Adelaide Metro buses regularly service West Terrace and trains service the Mile End Railway Station. Who is paying for the hard surface? Cirque du Soleil is responsible for all costs associated with the installation and removal of the hard surface, including any remediation required, to standards set by Adelaide City Council. Will Adelaide City Council make any money from Cirque du Soleil? Cirque du Soleil will be required to pay the applicable category of Park Lands events site fees that are listed in Council's Fees and Charges Schedule as set at the time of the agreement with an annual CPI increase. Council will also receive revenue via UPark from the management of on-site car parking. How long will Cirque du Soleil occupy Tambawodli (Park 24)? The total length of occupation is approximately 3 months to allow for the bump in (set up), performance time and bump out (pull down). What time of year will Cirque du Soleil come to Adelaide? Cirque du Soleil's touring schedules may vary however Cirque du Soleil will be required to provide Adelaide City Council with 12 months' notice to allow for planning other event use of the site.
How much space will Cirque du Soleil take up? The Cirque du Soleil site will be 20,000 square metres however only 10,000 square metres of hard surface will remain in the Park Lands following the event. Car parking during performances will take up approximately 15,000 square metres. What is the current use of the site? The site is unirrigated and has been used for car parking during the annual Schutzenfest event in Ellis Park. Until recently model helicopters were flown there. This activity has been relocated to another site in the Park Lands. In March 2012 the site was used for the Future Music Festival to test its suitability for major music festivals. What will happen if approval for the is not granted? Cirque du Soleil may consider other alternatives to Adelaide in future touring schedules. How do I provide my feedback? Written submissions are requested in relation to this use of the Park Lands. Submission Form Complete the Submission Form to provide your feedback. Submissions must include the name and residential address of the respondent, and will be included in a report to Council which will be publically available. For projects that have a legislative requirement to consult, including your name and residential address are mandatory. Online/ Website Council has a dedicated website that provides an opportunity for quick and efficient online feedback. Visit for information about the project and online ways to provide your comments. Alternatively comments can be emailed to yoursay@adelaidecitycouncil.com Written Submissions All written submissions must be received by 5.00 pm on Thursday 21 June 2012 and should be addressed to: Community Consultation Cirque du Soleil GPO Box 2252, Adelaide SA 5001 Electronic submissions are available online at, or alternatively comments can be e-mailed directly to yoursay@adelaidecitycouncil.com. What happens to my feedback? All submissions will be collated and included in a report to Council to assist in making a decision regarding the 10 year agreement with Cirque du Soleil. A report will be presented to the City Culture and Community Services Committee on Tuesday 3 July 2012 followed by the Council meeting on Tuesday 10 July 2012. Agendas and minutes of the Committee and Council meetings are available on adelaidecitycouncil.com/council/meetings How do I know my feedback has been received? All submissions or correspondence will be acknowledged either by email or in writing so that you know your comments/feedback has been received. Contact Person For more information, please contact: Name: Jane Roads Title: Team Leader, Events Phone: 08 8203 7203 Email Address: j.roads@adelaidecitycouncil.com
Submission Form Submissions close 5pm, Thursday 21 June 2012 It is Council s policy that for a formal submission to be received it must include your name and residential address. Formal submissions will be provided to Council and will be a publically available document. Name* Address* E-mail *Mandatory information Please provide your feedback regarding the Cirque du Soleil. Comments
Written submissions must be received by: Thursday 21 June 2012 Community Consultation Cirque du Soleil GPO Box 2252 Adelaide SA 5001 or j.roads@adelaidecitycouncil.com or For all enquiries, please call Jane Roads on 08 8203 7203