No builder for Arts Centre yet
A BUILDER for the $128m redevelopment of the Geelong Arts Centre will be announced “shortly”, the state government says.
Work is scheduled to commence on the Little Malop Street side of the building later this year and is expected to be completed by 2023.
Construction that will be completed on about two-thirds of the site is due to add a 500seat drama theatre, 250-seat courtyard theatre, a black box theatre, an outdoor atrium, more dining options, an upgraded box office, and refurbished back-of-house and administration facilities.
A government spokeswoman said: “The Geelong Arts Centre Little Malop Street redevelopment is a citychanging project for Geelong. We expect to be able to announce the builder shortly.”
The $38.5m second stage redevelopment, which included a new foyer, bar area and four rehearsal studios fronting Ryrie Street, opened last year.
Before the last election Premier Daniel Andrews committed to the third stage of the redevelopment. The project will create about 600 construction jobs and more than 300 ongoing local jobs.
SOME of the region’s oldest residents raised their glasses — full of ales, lagers, and pilsners — to celebrate International Beer Day on Friday.
Beer enthusiasts at Arcare Point Lonsdale aged care took part in some beer-inspired trivia, while taste-testing a variety of beers as part of the global annual event.
The aged care centre’s own
Brewers Table club launched in June after a number of residents showed interest in the growing micro brewing industry.
The initiative, led by 89year-old resident Bruce Symon, caters for range of beverage sampling and reviewing.
Member Judy Johnston, 69, said meeting with the club was a highlight of her week.
“In the beginning, I was the only female member of the group, but interest is rapidly growing and, as we have moved into wines, there are now as many women as men,” Ms Johnston said.
The group’s nine members, ranging from 69 to 97 years old, meet every Thursday to discover, discuss and taste a variety of alcoholic beverages from around the world. In the first week of the Brewer’s Table, the group sampled and debated over some of the world’s best pilsners and lagers.
Each month is dedicated to a different alcoholic beverage — June was beer, July was white wine and the group is about to embark on a red wine exploration for August.