The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Upgrade is on schedule and the venue is due to re-open in May with a new-look Encoré Café & Bar.
Shoalhaven City Council appointed Nowra-based architectural firm Edmiston Jones to manage the project, which to date has employed over 120 workers from 10 sub-contractors completing in excess of 3000 work hours to date.
The Centre which closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19 public health orders is currently a worksite as contractors renovate the café and build a loading dock awning to provide all-weather access for visiting artists and companies.
Improvements to the Encore Café include a new short-order cook kitchen which will ensure efficiencies and quicker service times.
In addition to ambient lighting the updated Café will feature contemporary, new furniture.
The Café servery includes a new access-friendly benchtop, a new bar, and recharge points for phones and other devices.
The upgrade will also see the installation of recharge points for mobility aids.
New theatre lighting, audio systems and audiovisual upgrades will enhance the customer audience experience and maintain the 12-year-old venue's status as the South Coast's premier venue for the performing arts.
During the upgrade works, which began in December, the Encore Café has operated in pop-up mode at the Council's Administration Building.
The COVID-safe mini version of the Encore Café has been popular with patrons, who are enjoying the al fresco seating and same high standard of service.
Shoalhaven Visitor Information Service and the Entertainment Centre's box office has also operated from the Administration Building foyer during the upgrade and has received continued positive feedback from patrons.
The Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre team is looking forward to presenting a high quality programme in 2021 and beyond, inviting the community back to shows and events.
Encore Café and theatre patrons can keep up to date with dining specials and new shows going on sale via www.shoalhavenentertainment.com.au.
