The City of Launceston will next month begin an upgrade of Launceston's iconic Albert Hall thanks to funding support from the Federal Government.
The Council last year received a $10m Community Development Grant from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications to make the project a reality.
The project will be undertaken in three stages, with the first stage including upgrades to heating, lighting, audio and visual capabilities, and Wi-Fi connectivity. There will also be repairs made to sections of the hall's roof.
The second stage will see major improvements to the hall's toilet facilities and meeting rooms. There will also be upgrades to the stage access and under stage dressing rooms.
The third stage includes proposals to reconfigure the eastern entrance of the hall, improvements to loading docks, upgrades to the box office and cafe, and the creation of a new accessible main entrance.
As the third stage proposes changes to the exterior of the building, the City of Launceston is seeking community feedback through its Your Voice Your Launceston online consultation platform at yourvoiceyourlaunceston.com.au.
The public will also have a second opportunity to provide feedback once a Development Application is lodged for the third stage of works, as part of the normal planning process.
Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said the project, a key deliverable under the Launceston City Deal, was necessary to ensure the viability of the venue into the future.
"As our city's most iconic event venue for 130 years, these updates are essential to ensure the hall remains fit for purpose and can cater for a wider range of events over the coming decades," Ms Archer said.
Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said the Albert Hall was built in 1891 and remained one of Launceston's most important buildings.
"However it has been some time since the hall received a significant overhaul, and it is understandably starting to show its age," Mayor van Zetten said.
"We've heard from many event organisers that it needs improvements to accessibility and functionality to remain relevant as a venue for conferences, functions and events.
"This project is designed to make the Albert Hall more attractive to event organisers and we've been consulting with various user groups and events stakeholders in recent months to formulate the first two stages of works.
"Work will begin on the first and second stages of the project in coming weeks, and consultation on the third stage is now open on the Your Voice Your Launceston website until the end of January.
"We'll then consider that feedback as we proceed towards a Development Application — and another opportunity for public comment — later this year."
