An alternative plan for the use of the old Katoomba Library space proposes it is run by council and becomes a flexible space appealing to a wide range of users.
The plan, backed by 22 individuals with experience in the arts and/or community work, envisages the project could take two to three years to come to fruition.
Key to the plan is the appointment of a community reference group made up of people with expertise in managerial, production and creative fields to advise on the best way to turn the hall into a space that can be used by all.
The members would also use their collective experience and contacts in a "beg, borrow and steal campaign" to attract funds, resources and other in-kind support to enhance the hall and to minimise costs to council.
One of the signatories, actor and drama teacher Georgia Page, said there were a number of groups interested in using the hall.
"What we are proposing is, rather than the venue being put in the hands of a single body, that council maintains the running of the venue so it can be accessed equitably by a broad range of groups in the community," she said.
"We're suggesting that council recruits an advisory committee, a group of experienced professionals from the community to guide the evolution and growth of the space into a multi-purpose venue that can be used by a broad range of community groups."
Katoomba Theatre Company has already expressed interest in both managing and using the old library for a professional theatre company.
Another signatory to the alternative proposal, Susie van Opdorp from the Blue Mountains Women's Health and Resource Centre, said she lent her support to ensure the library remained an affordable space which could be used by more than theatrical groups.
"I got interested in the issue because I'm involved in a number of community organisations that run public meetings." She had become concerned that the library would be "locked up" for performing arts only.
"Once you put tiered seating in it, it's not that useful to other groups," she said. "From the perspective of someone who hires venues in Katoomba, to me it's a practical community access issue."
John Merson from the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute, who also signed the proposal, said the hall would be ideal for educational activities.
"We are always needing spaces for running seminars, lectures and public events and it seemed to be a very good space which could be available. I think a multi-purpose space like that is very valuable and important to have," he said.
The hall has been available for hire over the last six months but has been rented out only 12 times, generating just $2905 in revenue. Council has now agreed to spend $35,000 installing blackout curtains and three-phase power to attract more hirers.
Council's premises review panel will make its final decision on the hall's future in April and take a recommendation to the May council meeting.
