Views set to impress
The Gazette received a tour of the construction site last week and, if views from the third level balcony are any indication, the fourth level outlook over Civic Park is sure to be a major attraction upon its opening.
Baw Baw Shire arts and culture manager Rob Robson said “we are nine months into a 16month project” and the practical completion date was scheduled on July 18 ahead of an August official opening.
“We’re certainly looking on target for that,” he said.
Mr Robson said the questions most commonly asked were would it be finished on time, on budget and of a high quality.
“In 10 years’ time, nobody will care how long it took. If the quality is bad, they will notice it every day.
“The original building was built to such a good standard, we really want to honour that. It’s important.”
The new-look café and bar areas off the main foyer together with the new level three and four wrap-around balcony foyers are set to be highlights of the development.
Site manager Mat Behsmann said the build had thrown in a few “little surprises”.
This included the discovery of a huge block of concrete, measuring some five cubic metres, “that suddenly appeared” in the courtyard area.
“We haven’t been able to work out where it came from,” he added.
Despite rumours it may have been an old bomb shelter, Mr Robson said it was much more likely excess concrete from the original pour.
Mr Robson added such surprises had been “all handled beautifully”.
Rain experienced in August and September also caused delays due to part of the site being open to the elements and caused headaches ahead of the level three balcony concrete slab pour.
Mr Behsmann said water had to be pumped out of the lift shaft after rain whilst the wet and then hot weather was not conducive to the balcony pour.
“We really pushed hard before Christmas to get that in,” he added.
The three main supports for the fourth level balcony were installed last week. These supports were installed via crane, with each weighing in at two-and-a-half tonne.
Faced with limited access, the installation of such large metal supports throughout the build have not been any easy task. Cranes have “flown” in these supports on the eastern side of the building. The four-level lift works are also well advanced. Importantly, the backstage graffiti walls are intact and will soon be reproduced on the wall behind a new main bar. This bar will run along the wall of the auditorium, near door one, and open out into the new courtyard space.
“It’s bringing a really interesting aspect out into that front foyer,” said Mr Robson.
The main foyer will be unrecognisable with a separate café and balcony, freeing up space for patrons mingling in the foyer ahead of performances. A larger box-office area will also avoid crushes with patrons lining up for tickets.
Mr Robson said the new foyer opening into the courtyard fed into “that idea of developing a destination”.
“I think this will be the biggest change for a lot of people.”
Hardwood foyer features will be accompanied by a fresh touch of sandstone, light tiles and timber. This “freshen up” to the 1980s building will brighten the space without heading down an “ultra-modern” path.
Another big change will be the level three and level four wrap-around foyer spaces, allowing audience access from both sides of the auditorium. In addition to brilliant views, level four will also boast bathroom facilities and a pop-up bar.
Mr Robson said the two-side auditorium entry made losing the centre aisle seem less controversial.