Golden bolt marks balcony milestone
The steel framework forms the structural support for the new balcony seating that will “complete this vision” of the original arts centre design.
The 1.2 metre high beam was constructed in three sections, each weighing 2.5 tonnes each, that were lifted and lowered into position by cranes. It will now form the major support for the balcony seating which will increase the auditorium’s overall capacity to 750 seats, with about 165 of those in the balcony..
The $13.4 million redevelopment project is well on its way to completion and the first users of the facility were on hand on Thursday to make sure works were on track for their August performances.
Wielding the giant golden spanner, mayor Joe Gauci was assisted by West Gippsland Music and Drama Eisteddfod representatives and Warragul Regional College students who will stage the first two shows when the arts centre reopens.
Also assessing progress was the arts centre’s number one ticket buyer, 90-year-old Lawrence Mitchell, otherwise known to staff as Mr D15 because of his regular bookings in his favourite seat of the house.
Arts and culture manager Rob Robson said when the building was first planned in the late 1970s, it was intended the arts centre would have 750 or more seats on two levels.
Budget constraints at the time meant the balcony seating was cut from the plans.
“This marks finishing the job that began in 1982. This is making the arts centre the major regional arts centre in the east of the state.
“The original building was at such a good standard that it has made the changes achievable,” he said.
The annual West Gippsland Music and Drama Eisteddfod will be the first booking for the redeveloped arts centre, followed by Warragul Regional College’s performance of “We Will Rock You.”
And Mr Robson gave both groups an assurance the project was on target for their August bookings.
“For these people the deadlines are really important. The timeline seems to be a long way away, but it’s not.
“And it means the new centre begins with a really important community use and then moves into the Warragul Regional College production.
“A lot of the use of this centre is community use and we are stoked about that.
“The feedback we are getting is so positive and you people have helped create that passion,” he said.
Cr Gauci said last week’s milestone marked an important step in “finishing the job.”
“The excitement is staring to build in the community. More and more people are asking when it will open.
“We are almost there and I am looking forward to August,” he said.
After securing the main beams, council staff, community members and workers signed the beam.
Mr Robson said although the beam will be enclosed once work is completed, the names will be there for posterity in the same way as the special back stage chalk graffiti walls record the many artists who have performed in the centre over the years.