One year to go on arts upgrade
Works at the West Gippsland Arts Centre (WGAC) upgrade project have reached another milestone with first stage demolition works completed and internal construction works underway.
The $13.4 million redevelopment project is well on track.
Mayor Joe Gauci said the project was progressing smoothly and works were on schedule and on budget.
“Since the site was handed over to the contractor in late March, there has been an incredible amount of transformation both inside and outside of the building.
“In some places the building appears to be down to its bones as the contractors clear the existing walls and flooring to make way for new constructions.
“There is also a lot of work going on in the forecourt area with vegetation removal and demolition of the old driveway and pavement,” Cr Gauci said. The completed works include: Removal of electrical, gas and water services to the building ahead of demolition works;
Asbestos removal at WGAC and civic offices completed;
Demolition of the old orchestra pit and new floor construction;
Demolition of the community assets building;
Demolition of the existing driveway and pavement including kerb and channelling; Removal of old auditorium seats; Removal of vegetation in preparation for the construction of underground stormwater drainage;
Demolition of eastern and southern foyer including roof to make way for second and third level construction; Major foundation works completed; and, Major demolition of eastern brick wall. “This project means being part of something really special and with each passing day we are a step closer to bringing this regional gem to its full potential.
“Like all major works on aged buildings, we’ve come across some interesting and unexpected things along the way but the contractor has done an exceptional job at managing and developing plans to keep works moving,” he said.
Cr Gauci said the next major task involves the installation of an 11 metre long structural beam weighing about seven and a half tonne to support the construction of the balcony in the auditorium.
The structural beam is due to be installed in August.
Regional Development Minister Jaala Pulford recently toured the construction site .
Ms Pulford said the tour was a chance to see progress to date and gain a sense of what the arts centre would look like when works are completed.
Originally built in 1982, budget shortfalls caused by building delays at the time led to the balcony seating and mechanised stage lift being cut from the design, reducing seating capacity to 490.
Ms Pulford said the redevelopment would allow the original 1982 vision to be fulfilled.
“It’s the grand design of 35 years ago but with very modern architecture, facilities and design,” she said.
Council’s funding contribution is being supported by $4 million from the state government and $4 million from the federal government.
The project will expand the the arts centre’s audience capacity from 480 to 750 seats and deliver upgrades to the theatre, foyer and backstage areas.
The redevelopment is expected to be completed by July next year.