Griffith Regional Theatre is set to undergo significant construction and upgrade works, with community members and Theatre patrons asked to be patient during the renovations at the 32 year old facility.
The final and most significant stage of the Upgrade and Revitalisation Project commenced Monday 14 October with construction of a brand new amenities block with fully compliant disabled access toilet, and upgrades to public bathrooms on the first floor.
Funded by the NSW Government – through the Regional Cultural Fund and Clubs NSW Infrastructure Grants, in association with Griffith City Council, the $1M contract for the Upgrade and Revitalisation Project was awarded to the Joss Group.
Manager of Griffith Regional Theatre Raina Savage said we are excited to be able to give this much loved facility a good makeover after 30+ years of solid service.
"These works will bring Griffith Regional Theatre up to current community standards in terms of accessibility and amenity, and industry standards for professional backstage facilities," said Ms Savage.
"The program of works includes upgrades to all public toilets on both levels of the building, a new Family Room on the ground floor, new amenities block and a full makeover of all 4 dressing rooms including a purpose built disabled access bathroom."
"The final stage of works will involve construction of an open air amphitheatre complete with seating and a performance stage on the eastern side of the building," she added.
Project Manager Peter Badenhorst said a big focus of the upgrades is on accessibility.
"We want to ensure that all members of the community can access the theatre with comfort and dignity with new disabled facilities on both floors as well as backstage," said Mr Badenhorst.
"Given the age and structure of the building, along the new compliance regime this project gave us some challenges, however we are confident the new facilities will meet the needs of all theatre users and allow everyone to participate fully in the arts – as both performers and audience."
Stage 1 of the Upgrade project included new air-conditioning in the Burley Griffin Room, a new state of the art lighting desk, and installation of acoustic panelling in the auditorium, which has been completed.
Stage 2 works commenced on Monday 14 October with site setup, establishment of safety procedures and commencement of excavation works for the new amenities block followed by demolition and replacement of all public toilets on the first floor. As a result of these works the BGR was no longer available from 18 October.
"Given the high level of community usage of the facility there is never a perfect time to undertake such an extensive program of works," said Ms Savage.
"We have scheduled the major disruption to coincide with a 3 month break in programming going into 2020, but recognise that some users will be inconvenienced in the meantime. We ask everyone to be patient during this awkward stage – knowing that the reward will be much more comfortable and amenable facilities for everyone."
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
The Upgrade and Revitalisation of Griffith Regional Theatre project is proudly funded by the NSW Government in association with Griffith City Council.
Griffith Regional Theatre is a cultural facility of Griffith City Council and is proudly sponsored by
Griffith City Volkswagen.
