Recovery taking centre stage at the Civic Theatre
Date published: 27 May 2019
Contractors are completing restoration works at the Townsville Civic Theatre to repair damage caused by the unprecedented monsoon.
Townsville City Council’s showcase theatre venue has been closed since it was severely damaged in the monsoon and repairs began as soon as possible.
Townsville Local Recovery and Resilience Group Chair Deputy Mayor Les Walker said it is a major recovery effort.
“We are working with builders to get it done as quickly as we can – work began as soon as the building assessment was complete,” Cr Walker said.
“Major works activities include the cleaning of the foyer ceiling and walls, stage walls and decontamination of the auditorium – all the seats in the auditorium have been removed to be cleaned and restored.
“Specialist equipment was inundated with water in the monsoon – there is water damage in the orchestra pit, the basement and back of house and significant amounts of mould that needed to be removed.”
Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Cr Colleen Doyle said Council has made a commitment to have part of the Theatre functional for the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (AFCM) in July.
“Work scopes are yet to be finalised for all the damage, however Council has been working with the AFCM to make sure parts of the theatre are operational for them,” Cr Doyle said.
“The Theatre has recently had a major renovation and we’re using the same builders to help us restore the building.
“They’re familiar with the Civic Theatre and they know how to replace the specialist stage equipment so it will be a smoother process.”
Cr Doyle said Council has been busy rescheduling performances when it is possible.
“Our staff have been working with show organisers and promoters to help them make a decision about their show – we’ve helped them decide if their show should be moved, postponed or cancelled,” Cr Doyle said.
“We’ve found new venues or dates for Council’s public programs such as Morning Melodies.”
