The much-vaunted upgrade to the historic Albert Hall is expected to be completed by mid-2022, according to the City of Launceston council.
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In the lead-up to the 2019 federal election, the Liberals committed $10 million for an Albert Hall renewal project, which would see the heritage gem transformed into a 500-seat "cultural and convention centre".
Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said the works were scheduled for completion in the 2021-22 financial year.
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"Discussions relating to the funding agreement are substantially completed and it is expected that the deed will be finalised by mid-November," he said.
"The council is happy with the work that has been undertaken so far and are satisfied that the project is tracking well."
Cr van Zetten said the council had undertaken a feasibility study looking into the Albert Hall site's current and future usage requirements.
"This information will be used to formulate a detailed renewal project and associated timelines for the works," he said.
"This significant body of work has also indicated that opportunities do exist at the Albert Hall for upgrades to the building's kitchen and commercial facilities, visitor amenities, seating, and audio and visual systems."
Funding for the Albert Hall upgrade, known as the Built Cultural Initiatives project, will be administered through the Commonwealth government's Community Development Grants program.
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A spokesperson for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack said a funding agreement was currently under negotiation with the council and would include estimated project timeframes.
"Construction is expected to start soon after the agreement has been signed," the spokesperson said.
"The project scope is to redevelop the Albert Hall to be a multi-purpose convention, events and performance centre, including the refurbishment of the main hall, stage, public amenities, café and meeting rooms."
Tasmanian Labor senator Helen Polley said if the project was completed in 2021-22, it would have been a long time since the funding was originally promised.
"Pork-barrelling isn't new in politics but you actually have to deliver on the pork barrel," she said. "The Morrison government doesn't actually follow through and deliver the funding, let alone the project itself."
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