AusLeisure

A major upgrade to the Townsville Civic Theatre will commence within weeks with Townsville City Council awarding the tender to Hutchinson Builders.

Built in 1978, the venue continues to provide a cultural and theatrical performance hub for the Townsville region.

Council Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Colleen Doyle said the work would be done in two parts, with Stage 1 to be completed by the end of December and expected to only have limited impact on patrons and productions.

Councillor Doyle stated “Stage 1 works will allow productions to continue, such as this week’s North Queensland Opera and Music Theatre production of Little Shop of Horrors.”

The $7.6 million contract will address:

• Safe movement and equitable access
• Fire systems rectification
• Water penetration/roof leaks
• Hearing augmentation
• HVAC upgrade
• Electrical, lighting and security systems upgrade
• Orchestra pit and fly system upgrades
• Sewerage pump rectification
• Wall and floor finishes

Stage 2 works beginning in January will see the full closure of the theatre for six months for major internal works.

Councillor Doyle said the Civic Theatre was a very valuable asset to the community and it was important that the facilities were kept up to strict standards.

She added “the Civic Theatre is a major community asset and to ensure its viability into the future, requires upgrades and improvements to infrastructure and equipment that is coming to the end of its serviceable life.

“Council has conducted extensive consultation liaising closely with the local performing arts community and visiting performers to develop contingency plans for staging their events at alternate venues during the theatre’s closure.

“This work is necessary and we appreciate the public’s patience during this time.” 

Image: Townsville Civic Theatre, courtesy of NARPACA.

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15th May 2017 - NEW AUSTRALIA COUNCIL GRANTS FOR REGIONAL AND REMOTE ARTS TOURING PROJECTS 

20th March 2017 - TOWNSVILLE COUNCIL LOOKS FOR CONCERTS TO BE STAGED AT NEW NORTH QUEENSLAND STADIUM

6th September 2015 - MACKAY VENUE NAMED APACA PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE OF THE YEAR

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