Almost 1000 new seats to be installed in Theatre upgrade
Date published: 24 May 2018
Townsville City Council’s Civic Theatre will soon be the belle of the ball with new seats being installed for the first time since its opening in 1978 as part of the theatre’s $10m upgrade.
The 990 new seats being installed will provide theatre-goers a new level of comfort and improve access for people with all abilities.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said she was proud to deliver the first new seats in decades for the much loved theatre.
“Theatre-goers expressed that although they love their time spent at the theatre, the experience would be even better with new seats,” Cr Hill said.
“This upgrade is about bringing the theatre up to the best modern standards, the grand old dame will now be the belle of the ball.”
Cr Hill said the project also included installing a new fire safety system, fixing the roof, updating electrical and lighting systems, and upgrading the orchestra pit and sound system.
“The Civic Theatre has hosted some of the biggest acts to visit Townsville for decades and this work will ensure they can do so for decades to come,” Cr Hill said.
“Hutchinson Builders were awarded the theatre upgrade with between 25 and 45 workers on site each day, depending on the stage of the upgrade.”
Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Councillor Colleen Doyle said the theatre upgrade would provide an added level of comfort for patrons.
“The original seats were 40 years old so now theatre-goers will be able to take in the entertainment in a whole new level of comfort,” Cr Doyle said.
“The new seats have been reconfigured to significantly improve access, allowing people of all abilities to enjoy the theatre.”
Council has opened an expression of interest for the repurposing of the old theatre seats to community groups and organisations – interested parties are encouraged to contact Townsville City Council.
The theatre upgrade is on track for completion by the end of June.
