Trumpets and horns will herald the return of a symbolic Rathmines institution this weekend at the grand re-opening of the West Lake Macquarie Centre for Music (WLMCM).
The $1.9 million refurbishment features studios and rehearsal spaces designed to support music, theatre, singing and more - creating a vibrant hub for artistic expression in the heart of the burgeoning Rathmines Park entertainment precinct.
The community is invited to join the celebrations this Saturday with live music from 10.30am to 12.30pm and an official opening with Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz at 11.30am.
The event will showcase the new-look facility and its expanded offerings, with performances by its custodians Toronto Brass, Western Lake Macquarie Concert Band, and Westlakes Senior Charity Band.
Council Manager Arts Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said the occasion marked a welcome return to brass tacks for the beloved venue.
"The return of the Toronto Brass Band and Western Lake Macquarie Concert Band to their longstanding home is a testament to the resilience and passion of the local music community," she said.
"This reopening marks the beginning of a future-focused strategy to grow music and the arts across Lake Macquarie's western corridor, ensuring creativity continues to thrive for generations to come."
Originally built as the Sergeant's Mess for the WWII RAAF Catalina Air Base, the building later served as a respite lodge before the Toronto Brass Band and Western Lake Macquarie Concert Band invested $85,000 to transform the derelict building into a dedicated music centre.
Due to age-related issues and asbestos, Council allocated funding in 2020 to refurbish the building under its capital works program.
The works included asbestos removal, new flooring, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, electrical improvements, timber structure repairs, insulation, cladding, fire safety systems, acoustic panels and a new main switchboard.
Western Lake Macquarie Concert Band President and WLMCM Secretary Lindy Bergquist said the renovation was a much-needed facelift.
"From a sentimental perspective, the bands are relieved that the work they undertook to transform the derelict building in 1994 has been honoured by this project," she said.
"The space now feels refreshed and welcoming whilst retaining important WWII heritage features.
"The centre is a perfect set up for one-on-one tuition, small group lessons, ensemble rehearsals and smaller performances by those that are just starting out.
"We hope it continues to be a place to encourage the next generation of musicians and creatives to take the big stage."
The centre will host art exhibitions, school holiday programs, life drawing classes and workshops - complementing nearby attractions such as the award-winning Rathmines Youth Hub and Rathmines Theatre.
The centre's multi-use spaces will be available for hire, encouraging community engagement and creative collaboration.
Saturday's grand re-opening will run from 10.30am to 12.30pm at the centre, located at 33 Stilling Street, Rathmines.
