Ready to be part of the big reveal of Bowral Memorial Hall?
Be among the first through the doors of Bowral Memorial Hall when they re-open to the community for a preview morning, on Saturday 3 June. Pop-in between 9am and 12 noon, or book a guided tour, to see the transformation that has taken shape behind the scenes over the past 2 years of refurbishment.
From modest beginnings as a 10ftx16ft weatherboard School of Arts, first built back in 1880, Bowral Memorial Hall is now the Southern Highlands’ premier, multi-purpose cultural and events venue. A place for the whole community to enjoy in many different ways, for years to come.
“Promising to be an ornament to the town of Bowral,” when re-built in 1939, great care has been taken to preserve the building’s considerable, heritage charm, while delivering a great deal more for our community. A total investment of almost $8million was raised
through a combination of Council and Australian Government funding, under the BBRF Infrastructure Projects Stream Round 4. Specialist consultants in heritage were involved in the planning, along with NBRS Architecture and Richard Steward Theatre and Production.
Expect to be awed by the specially engineered timber interior and concert shell, purpose-designed to elevate the acoustics to a whole new level. “Upon first impressions I am very impressed with the Yamaha CFIII concert grand piano and acoustics in the concert hall,” says local piano tuner Ron Craig, formerly concert pianist tuner for Sydney Opera House.
Council’s Manager, Project Delivery Ned Tripkovic says, “Community groups will enjoy a greatly enhanced rehearsal and performance space. The modifications we’ve made are designed to broaden the venue’s use and appeal for touring ensemble and music festivals, inviting a wide range of cultural experiences for our Shire.”
Seating for 120 can be rolled-out or retracted with the push of a button, making the available floorspace easily adaptable for a variety of formats and purposes, from expos to weddings and private functions. A balanced fee structure for the varied uses of the multi-purpose venue, will keep it accessible for community groups, while generating the revenue required to maintain it to a high standard, though commercial function and event hire rates and leasing of upstairs office spaces.
Saturday 3 June 2023 from 9am to 12 noon is your opportunity to preview the new Bowral Memorial Hall at your leisure. Be quick to book one of the 15 minute guided tours on offer that will take you back-of-stage. Limited spots are available, here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/637840517157