Green light for Bowral Memorial Hall refurbishment
Bowral Memorial Hall will be restored to its former glory following a decision by Council’s Interim Administrator to proceed with the building’s refurbishment.
Mr Viv May endorsed the stage design modifications to further enhance unamplified musical performances at an Extraordinary Meeting held on Thursday 20 May 2021.
The go-ahead for the refurbishments follows further consultation with the hall’s primary user groups and support from the project’s design consultant and acoustic engineer.
The refurbishment works will be undertaken by Belmadar Pty Ltd who were awarded the tender by Council earlier in the year.
The announcement of the successful tender followed an open market expression of interest period inviting applications from suitably qualified businesses. Five tenderers were subsequently short-listed based on demonstrated experience and methodology.
As per the design brief the primary purpose of the refurbishment is to convert the existing hall space into a venue catering for unamplified music performances.
The brief also purposely stipulates that the renovations improve the hall’s acoustics and expand the functionality of the venue to accommodate a wide range of conferences, cultural performances and community events.
Other improvements include the installation of a new roof and lifts, upgraded kitchen and bathroom facilities and provision of access for all abilities. A new air conditioning system, sound and lighting equipment will also be added, and the building’s heritage façade will be protected and rejuvenated.
The refurbishment works and modifications have been designed to meet current and future needs of patrons and hall users.
The tender announcement follows a $2.8 million grant secured in 2020 from the Australian Government to renovate the hall.
The funds secured from the Australian Government complement an existing $3.8 million Council has allocated towards the renovations as part of its existing Delivery Program and Operational Plan.
For more information on the refurbishment of Bowral Memorial Hall visit www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au/bowral-memorial-hall.