The Launceston council has announced that works will begin on Albert Hall in February this year with the final of three stages of the development set to change the exterior of the iconic building, but they are not sure exactly how.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The works come as part of a $10 million federal election promise made by the Liberal government in the lead-up to the 2019 election and is a key part of the Launceston City Deal.
Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said he expected $10 million would cover all of the costs associated with the three stages but said stage three design had not been completely "thought through".
"Stage three is the entrance ... that's something that we're still working on, the design, and that's something that we want public feedback on," he said.
More about the Albert Hall revitalisation:
- Albert Hall and Northern Suburbs community hub promised millions as major parties splash cash in Bass
- Albert Hall works planned by the Launceston City Council
- Tentative date set for completion of $10m Albert Hall revamp
- Study looks at options to expand Albert Hall use
- Albert Hall works scoped by council, Coordinator-General
"We haven't costed the last part of it so that's something we'll have to work on down the track but we understand we'll go very close to doing what we're wanting to do [with the $10 million]."
Cr van Zetten said the development application would lead the council's decision making about what changes would be made in the third stage of the development.
"The development application is really for the [City Park] entrance which is an add on, and if there are any changes that need to be made. We haven't thought through what design it'll be, but once that's done that'll come through and with public consultation we'll work that through."
With the proposed changes to the building's facade will come the opportunity for the public to comment on the potential developments as the City of Launceston Council prepares to lodge a development application for the final stage of the project.
Opportunities from comment on the yourvoiceyourlaunceston.com, where comment is sought for the development, include the chance to say what people would or would not change about Albert Hall and whether the venue was suitable for certain events.
The first and second stages include upgrades of existing instalments in the Hall including lighting, audio, heating, the hall's roof, toilet facilities, meeting rooms and the dressing rooms.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Cr van Zetten said the development, which comes after a long reflection period and a $60,000 feasibility study which commenced in March 2019, was being called for by potential users of the facility.
"We've heard from many event organisers that it needs improvements to accessibility and functionality to remain relevant as a venue for conferences, functions and events," he said.
"This project is designed to make the Albert Hall more attractive to event organisers and we've been consulting with various user groups and events stakeholders in recent months to formulate the first two stages of works."
Bass Liberal MHR Bridget Archer revitalising Albert Hall would help maintain the longstanding relevance of the venue.
"This is an icon of Launceston and we want to protect it long into the future and to make it really useable for all of Launceston," she said.
What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor: