Civic Theatre upgrade to begin
Date published: 12 October 2017
A major upgrade to the Townsville Civic Theatre will commence within weeks with council awarding the tender to Hutchinson Builders.
The $7.6m contract will include significant upgrades to the venue which was built in 1978 and continues to provide a cultural and theatrical performance hub for the Townsville region.
On average 20 to 25 workers will be employed onsite each day with up to 45 workers used each day during peak periods.
Community and Cultural Development Committee chair Cr 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.
“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,” Cr Doyle said.
Refurbishment works 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.
Cr 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.
“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,” Cr Doyle said.
“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.”
