Work will start shortly on an extensive refurbishment to the roofs and air conditioning systems of both Wollongong Town Hall and Wollongong Art Gallery.
The work is being phased across both venues to minimise disruption to the spaces as much as possible – although both will close for a period of time during the project.
The works will start on the Wollongong Town Hall first, before moving on to Wollongong Art Gallery later this year.
The project is important as it'll help ensure the longevity of both heritage-listed buildings with the ageing air conditioning not operating as well as it could, and the roofs failing in wet weather.
"These are important community spaces and ones that are much loved for concerts, celebrations and as a leading regional gallery,'' Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said.
"It's important that these buildings are maintained and cared for so that they can meet community expectations in terms of the experience of visiting them, but also that we are doing our bit to protect and care for them so they're around for another generation to enjoy.
Of course, the trickiest part of this project is when they reopen, people will not necessarily see a big difference in the spaces – but hopefully they'll feel it.''
Wollongong Town Hall
The work will start in the Wollongong Town Hall first with the only part of the building not to have its roof replaced being the section connected to the 2010 refurbishment.
This building will close at the end of June and reopen in April 2027. The forecourt area in front of the Town Hall will still be able to be accessed by the public, but there will be fencing and scaffolding around the building and a portion of Kembla Street will have hording along it for safety. The passageway between the Gallery and Town Hall will be closed for the duration of the project.
Wollongong Art Gallery
Works will not start on the Gallery until November, and the first stage will be to ensure the Gallery's collection has been removed for safe storage before the work begins.
The work to the Gallery's roof and air conditioning is expected to take about 12 months to complete, with the anticipated re-opening date to be November 2027.
The building will be closed for the duration of the works, and there will be fencing around the building for community safety.
A site compound will also be set up in the Arts Precinct, although access to lower Crown Street through the Ethel Hayton Walkway, Town Hall Place and the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre will be maintained at all times.
"It really makes sense to do the work to the roof and the air conditioning at the same time to make sure we're getting the best value for the community's money in terms of the delivery of the work, and to minimise disruption.'' Cr Brown said.
"The intent of the work on the Gallery is not only to provide an improved visitor experience but that the air conditioning improvements will also support its growth as a significant regional gallery.
"Artworks require specific conditions to be maintained and preserved – or in fact loaned from other spaces – so this project is hoped to open us up to some very exciting opportunities.''
While the building closures are in place, the Gallery team will be focused on building the program of events to mark its 50th birthday in 2028.
"That is going to be a huge year for Wollongong Art Gallery and it will be a really positive step that we're able to reopen the Gallery doors in time for this major milestone.''
