Curtains close for WGAC upgrade
The final curtain was closed yesterday to signal the start of a $13.4 million upgrade to the West Gippsland Arts Centre.
With fencing already erected around the arts centre and machinery moved in, a tent in Civic Park was the location for the “official commencement ceremony” attracting some 60 supporters.
Baw Baw Shire mayor Joe Gauci said the day marked the site being handed over to builders “who will work their magic to breathe life into our much-loved arts centre”.
Shire arts and culture manager Rob Robson assured architects had been directed to have a “very light touch”.
“This is not an architect’s picnic,” said Mr Robson. “This is about honouring this iconic building.”
He said yesterday symbolised “the end of act one” in the centre’s story. Backstage crews will work during intermission to transform the stage in preparation for act two.
Drawing the symbolic final curtain during the light-hearted ceremony were Cr Gauci and deputy mayor Mikaela Power, Member for McMillan Russell Broadbent and Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing.
A highlight was a passionate video by 22-yearold Stephanie Clark who credited the venue for opening opportunities to her to now head a local theatre company.
Ms Clark said the centre was a gift from a previous generation and it was time to “pay the gift forward” to the next generation.
“It’s terrific to have reached this point and it’s also fantastic that this is a project supported by all tiers of government and the community,” said Mr Robson.
The $13.4 million upgrade is being jointly funded by $4 million from the state government, $4 million from the federal government and the remainder through council’s Capital Works program.
Ms Shing said she would be waiting with bated breath for completion of this “intergenerational infrastructure” project. She said it would “place us squarely within the arts centre calendar” in terms of shows and exhibitions we can attract.
Ms Shing paid tribute to the many hours of unpaid work put in by community members to design the vision for the community space.
Mr Broadbent echoed this sentiment, stating “it doesn’t matter who promised the money” and praising the foresight of community members who worked on the original building as well as the upgrade.
“Thank you for your dedication and commitment to this cause,” said Mr Broadbent. “We appreciate the work you do”.
Cr Gauci said the project would deliver tourism, culture and employment benefits.
“We’re proud to be behind a project that will provide a more inclusive point of social gathering, a place for families to share in more experiences and for children to take their first bow,” said Cr Gauci.
Amongst the first works will be the removal of the old assets and library buildings. The upgrade is set to be open in mid-2018.
Access to Warragul’s Civic Park will remain available, however, part of Civic Place to be closed to one north bound traffic lane with 40km/h speed restrictions.
All construction works will be carried out between 7.30am and 6pm from Monday to Friday, weather permitting.