Plans Unveiled for New Performing Arts Center in Hyannis

Cape Symphony Conductor and Artistic Director Jung Ho Pak.

HYANNIS – Plans for a new performing arts center in Hyannis that would become the new home of the Cape Symphony Orchestra have taken a major step forward.

Oceanside Performing Arts Center announced Wednesday their intent to purchase land that is currently a golf course adjacent to the Resort and Conference Center near the West End Rotary.

The non-profit organization’s board of directors signed a purchase and sale agreement this week with the Finch Group Hotel and Resort Inc., for the Twin Books Club.

Terms of the deal were not released.

Several members of the Oceanside board are also members of the Cape Symphony board of directors.

The statement announcing the deal said the Symphony, which plays at the Barnstable Performing Arts Center at Barnstable High School, would make the facility their permanent home.

“In securing this land, we hope to fulfill Cape Cod’s need for a state-of-the-art performing arts center to showcase quality arts, entertainment and educational offerings, and to nurture the artistic spirit of Cape Cod residents and visitors year-round,” said Oceanside Performing Arts Center Board President Margaret Van Sciver.

Officials with Oceanside said the nearly 40-acre parcel is in a central location that could draw residents and visitors to Cape Cod with year-round performances.

The location would appear to put the planned center in direct competition with the Cape Cod Melody Tent, located across the street, for musical performances and artists.

A previous effort to build a performing arts center in Mashpee by the late car dealer Ernie Boch failed after years of planning and fundraising never met required goals for the project to move forward.

News of the latest proposal was met by optimism from Barnstable town officials.

We are so pleased to hear Oceanside’s plan to invest in a signature performing arts center in our community. This is a significant opportunity to further strengthen the efforts of the Town of Barnstable to attract visitors and residents to our arts district, and expand the Cape’s variety of community and arts activities,” said Barnstable Town Manager Mark Ells.

The Oceanside board said the signing of the purchase and sale is a preliminary step, and that further due diligence will be completed to confirm the property meets the needs of the project.

By MATT PITTA, CapeCod.com News Director