Maitland Town Hall’s $2 million refurbishment is well under way and expected to be unveiled in March.
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Most of the main hall area is now complete and work is progressing well, a Maitland City Council spokesman said.
Council is also undertaking some additional maintenance work which complements the refurbishment project and to accommodate that work, council has booked out the venue for February and March.
The refurbishment is being funded by the NSW government through the Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund.
Separate work is also included in council’s delivery program for 2013-2016.
The refurbishment will feature improvements to the lighting and audio visual equipment, replacement of the stage rigging, construction of a new sound lock, acoustic wall treatments, airconditioning modifications, works to the sprung floor, building services upgrades and a general repaint of interior auditorium surfaces.
The project was necessary to help the town hall become part of the civic and cultural hub the council intends to develop in the city.
The refurbishment aims to upgrade performance space in central Maitland, making the venue capable of housing productions and musical entertainment.
Council’s community and recreation services manager Lynn Morton said the town hall was built in 1890 with extensive renovations carried out in 1934.
The building is listed on the State Heritage Register.
“To protect its rich history and plan for the future of the town hall, council is working on a business plan for the building,” Ms Morton said.
“The plan aims to guide future works and will consider community needs and aspirations as well as the ongoing management of the building.
“Council is inviting the community to have their say about the future of the town hall by visiting maitlandyoursay.com.au.”