Residents invited to review proposed fees for maintaining a better Bowral Memorial Hall that’s accessible to all
In preparation for the unveiling of the newly refurbished Bowral Memorial Hall, Wingecarribee Shire Council invites you to share your thoughts on the balance of fees proposed for use of the concert hall, exhibition and function spaces. The draft schedule of Hire Fees details the range of costs for commercial and not-for-profit organisations to hire the various components of the venue, suited to a wide variety of uses, from exhibitions and expos to live performances, rehearsals, weddings and private functions.
A broad range of uses has been considered in determining the costs that fees will cover, according to Council’s Director Corporate Strategy and Resourcing, Carmel Foster.
“We’ve worked closely with the community to ensure that the restorations are fit for the venue’s wider functionality for the future, while retaining its core role as a cultural hub for the community, and the fees structure will reflect that broad purpose.”
The community’s vision is for the experience of this new incarnation of an iconic Southern Highlands cultural hub, to be a rewarding one for everyone, for many years to come.
“Down to the detail, from the exquisite timber finishings, to enhanced acoustics, versatile configurations of available space, and upgrades to back-of-house and catering facilities, this iconic Bowral venue has been upgraded to accommodate a wide variety of different purposes and be of a high standard for live performances.”
The approach proposed is a scaling of fees, to keep this important cultural venue accessible for community groups, while generating adequate revenue through commercial hire rates for concerts, expo’s and events, to maintain the high quality facilities and heritage elements. Proposed fees take into account cleaning costs as well as evening and day rates.
“We hope that the community will see the benefit to them of offering a wide-ranging schedule of hire fees,
for different users, purposes and configurations,” Carmel says. “Whether you’re a local ensemble looking to book a regular rehearsal space, a Bowral business wanting to stage a bridal expo, or someone wanting the wow factor for a private function, you’ll find a rate tailored to that purpose.”
You can view and comment on the draft schedule of fees here: yoursaywingecarribee.com.au/exhibition-of-proposed-fees-and-charges-bowral-memorial-hall or send your feedback in writing to Wingecarribee Shire Council, PO Box 141 Moss Vale 2577. All submissions must be received by 4:30pm on Wednesday 22 March.
Should any feedback or submission be received at the close of the exhibition period, a final report will be presented to Council.
“With the grand re-opening fast approaching, bookings are expected to begin from May 2023,” Carmel said.
“We are seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from regular and occasional hall hirers. Anyone interested in hiring the facility is encouraged to submit an EOI application before the closing date of Thursday 23 March 2023.”
The countdown is on, to local and touring performances taking to the stage of this beautifully restored and extensively upgraded, grand old Bowral building.
For further details contact Wingecarribee Shire Council on 48680888.