Timber shines in new arts centre
The $42 million Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, a landmark project featuring engineered native hardwood timber from Central Gippsland, was formally opened last week.
The Traralgon facility was jointly opened by Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, Regional Development Minister MaryAnne Thomas, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing and Latrobe City May Kellie O'Callaghan.
The centre includes a striking 750-seat auditorium bathed in red, indoor and outdoor amphitheatre event spaces, a box office, cafe precinct and conference rooms. It will be able to support international and local productions.
Construction of the project was by Becon Constructions, supported by local suppliers and sub-contractors. More than 800 people were inducted into the site, including 62 contractor companies and local suppliers. Funding came from the Federal Government ($10 million), the State Government ($10 million) and Latrobe City Council.
Mr Chester said it was fantastic to see Gippsland timber showcased in one of the most significant buildings developed in Gippsland/Latrobe Valley in decades. The centre was a huge vote of confidence in Gippsland and cemented the Latrobe Valley as a regional hub for cultural and sporting events, he said.
Ms Thomas said it was fantastic to see the Latrobe creative precinct come to life. "it will attract new cultural opportunities for the region and create more jobs," she said.
Latrobe City Mayor Kellie O'Callaghan said GPAC offered the community and visitors a world-class facility that would bring entertainment for generations to come.
The centre is dominated by 10 engineered "trees" made from Victorian Ash timber, each 8.5 metres high and weighing more than three tonnes, that were manufactured by Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) at Heyfield in central Gippsland.
The engineered wooden glulam beams and columns act as structural columns in the main foyer, creating a powerful public space. Other native hardwoods have also been used.
The engineered trees became the focal point of the building with the history and culture of the timber industry in Gippsland a key design theme.
The architects ultimately concentrated on forestry's ultimate embodiment – the tree.
Following the official opening, Mr Chester praised the timber features saying it highlighted timber's sustainability.
He was critical of the State Government's use of local timber in the project while backing "the destruction of Gippsland's native forest industry."
"To have the minister come here today and recognise the timber industry – the very industry that her government is shutting down - is an insult to those timber workers.”