HISTORIC THEATRE TO BE BORN AGAIN
A HERITAGE theatre in central Hobart would be converted into a “modern church theatre” under a proposal put to council by the Hillsong Church.
An application has been lodged with Hobart City Council for partial demolition, alterations, extension, signage and change of use to community meeting and entertainment at the former Avalon Theatre at 52 Melville Street.
Hillsong Church Australia bought the heritage- listed theatre earlier this year for about $ 2.55m.
The church currently has a Hobart campus on Davey Street, with four online services running on Sundays.
Under plans designed by local firm S. Group, the building would be converted into a modern church and theatre “to meet the needs of a growing congregation and provide the theatre for hire to the greater community”.
The documents show plans to restore the theatre fabric, with some demolition
including the removal of Avalon- era joinery, ticket booth, rear stairs, some fireplaces and other details that were considered “required to provide a foyer space that is functional in a modern church theatre”.
“The majority of works on the external elevations are to restore the building while embracing elements of its previous significant use as the Avalon Theatre,” designer John Etherington wrote.
“The applicant proposes to reinstate signage in previously historical locations and sizes, and take reference from historical precedent.
“Due to the extreme and consistent graffiti on the eastern elevation … it has been proposed to paint the previously unpainted brickwork to provide an antigraffiti coating.”
Originally known as Temperance Hall, the Avalon ran as a theatre for 86 years before it was sold in 1977 to Danny Burke Electrical.
Public comment on the application closes on December 9.