The subsuming of Carriageworks into the bosom of the Sydney Opera House seemed to be a done deal.
Unable to receive annual rental of $1.1 million from its popular weekend Farmer’s Markets nor its ticket revenue of $1.9million it appeared to permanently shut its doors.
A further problem is that the land on which it sits is on a short term lease from CreateNSW which appears to be an impatient landlord.
However several leading arts philanthropists are believed to have offered more than $2million to rescue Carriageworks from voluntary administration until its traditional sources of revenue can recommence. The administrators have been non-commital in relation to the offers made as it was at an early stage sorting out the Carriageworks finances.
To date, 29 workers were let go before voluntary administration. A small team of twelve employees are working reduced hours to maintain essential services.