PAC ROOF REPLACEMENT
Works to replace the roof of the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre are now complete.
The roof replacement, which was required to ensure the ongoing structural integrity of the 110 year old building, commenced in February 2021 and was completed by BDH Construction PTY LTD.
Manager Cultural Arts, Amy Knight said her team adapted well to the challenge of another closure.
“As they did throughout the 2020 COVID lockdown, the Hamilton PAC team have adapted well and have expertly thought outside the box to be able to continue bringing the performing arts to the Greater Hamilton community throughout the closure of the building.
“From the two sell out Wind in the Willows shows in the Hamilton Botanic Gardens to the wonderful performance of The Merger stage play from comedian Damian Callinan in the Balmoral Mechanics Hall, the team worked hard to ensure they delivered for our community,” Knight said.
The Hamilton Performing Arts Centre will re-open with a bang, with family favourite Bluey coming to town on 8 July.
“We thank our valued patrons for their patience and support over the last 15 months,” Knight said.
BROWN STREET LIFT INSTALLATION
The Hamilton Gallery is currently closed to allow the installation of a lift to service the Brown Street complex.
As part of the Economic Recovery response to COVID-19, Council received $1,985,254 from the Federal Government as part of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program (LRCIP) and on review of Council’s strategic plans and asset management plans, the installation of a new lift was recommended for delivery under this funding agreement.
The project tender was advertised on 31 July 2020 and Council awarded the contract at the October 2020 meeting to the Ultrabuild Construction Group Pty Ltd for the value of $208,000 (incl. GST).
Delays with the shipping of the lift from Europe has pushed back the installation, with mid-late August being the new proposed date for the Gallery re-opening.
Preliminary works on the building exterior in preparation for the lift have now commenced and it is hoped that the lift should be onsite and ready to install before the end of June.
Manager Cultural Arts Amy Knight said while the delay was disappointing, it was outside of our direct control and hasn’t impacted on projects happening within the Gallery.
“There is large program of works taking place within the Gallery throughout the closure, including alterations to collection stores and the audit and digitisation of the entire works on paper collection. We have partnered with Australian Museums and Galleries Association, Working for Victoria and Creative Victoria to employ two full time Support officers to implement this digitisation project over the last six months. We have also recently been funded to employ two fixed term staff (designated indigenous) over the next three months to assist with the documentation of Aboriginal cultural material and artworks” Knight said.
“We look forward to reopening the Gallery in August for our 60th Anniversary celebrations,” Knight concluded.
BROWN STREET UPSTAIRS OFFICE
Works are due to commence in the coming weeks on the repair of the roof and interior of Council’s upstairs Brown Street office, damaged in the storm event in January. Water inundated multiple Council owned and managed sites during this event and there was significant damage caused both internally and externally to Brown Street offices.
Works to commence shortly include the structural roof repairs, replacement of ceilings, removal and replacement of all internal walls and complete repainting and reinstatement of the offices. Repair and repainting of the Performing Arts Centre entrance foyer ceiling and any affected internal walls will also be completed.
A crane will be onsite from next week at the back of the Brown Street building to deliver materials and begin removing roofing panels. All works at the site are anticipated to be complete by the end of September.