Paint it and they will come.
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This is the catchphrase of a group of Lochinvar residents who have taken on the laborious task of restoring the community’s iconic school of arts hall.
Earlier this year, the community launched a campaign to attract a group of trustees to oversee the rejuvenation of the hall.
Since then, the small group of eight has rallied together to begin the restoration project and recently received a $33,000 grant – as part of the NSW government’s Community Building Partnership program – to continue its work.
“During the past couple of months the committee has held three working bees at the hall, with more planned for 2015,” trustee Chris Sutcher said.
“And now we can go full steam ahead.”
In 2013, the hall faced uncertainty when Maitland City Council declined to extend the committee a lifeline stating the ailing hall did not fit the town’s planned population boom.
“The circumstances of the Lochinvar School of Arts Hall are regrettable, but are a reflection of community needs, which have changed over time,” council’s corporate services executive manager Graham Tolhurst said at the time.
But the community fought back to save the heritage-listed building.
“The campaign has been well worthwhile because this is a community venue,” long-time trustee and Lochinvar resident Barbara Carroll said.
Built in 1892, the hall was once used for a range of community events including weddings and anniversaries, and the nearby tennis courts were often used by more than 80 people.
The hall is also guarded by two aged pillars that displayed the names of the 55 Lochinvar men who set off to fight for their country at the start of World War I.
“We also want to link the history of the war memorial to the interior of the hall and incorporate the history of our Anzacs,” Rebekah Somerville said.
“We really want to revive the hall so that it is used by the community as much as possible.”