It was a construction site for more than a year, but definitely worth the wait.
Hundreds of people took the opportunity to get their first glimpse inside Springwood's new 438-seat state-of-the-art theatre on Saturday at the official opening of the $15.5 million community and cultural precinct known as The Hub.
Heartfelt speeches, a plaque unveiling and musical performances created a festive atmosphere for the occasion.
Blue Mountains mayor Mark Greenhill described the impressive addition to the Macquarie Road streetscape as "a significant achievement of this city, an undoubtedly impressive offering and a community facility that we can all can be proud of".
"It provides a dynamic, modern community and cultural precinct to the whole community across the Blue Mountains - it's not just a Springwood facility," he said.
After declaring the building officially open, Clr Greenhill said the community would now make it "live and breathe".
The Federal Government contributed $9.5 million to the project in partnership with Blue Mountains City Council, which invested $6 million.
Federal Member for Macquarie Louise Markus said within its first three years, use of the new complex is forecast to build to 500 theatre sessions every year and see a 60 per cent increase in library visits.
"It's important for me to acknowledge that this was initially committed to by the previous [Labor] government," Mrs Markus said.
"What will be amazing about this building is what investment will be made in the generations to come.
"I know it's a beautiful facility with many rooms, but in those rooms will be people touching the hearts of other people and I think that's what's most significant about today."
Labor's federal infrastructure spokesman Anthony Albanese also spoke at the launch, giving the building a big thumbs up.
"I announced funding for this great project with (Labor spokesperson for Macquarie) Susan Templeman on August 14, 2010 as the then Minister for Regional Development and Local Government," Mr Albanese said.
"I congratulate Susan Templeman on her tireless advocacy."
Ms Templeman told the Gazette "this amazing finished product was only possible thanks to the early efforts of community activists in Save Our Springwood and the behind-the-scenes perseverance of Senator Doug Cameron and his staff".
The Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub includes a professional theatre, community meeting rooms and offices for tenants including Springwood Neighbourhood Centre, Vietnam Veterans and Associated Forces, Blue Mountains Food Services and Blue Mountains Respite and Recreation Service.
There is extra onsite parking, a council service counter, a new entrance to Springwood Library and an landscaped forecourt next to the historic Braemar House.
