A new light-filled foyer will finally connect two icons of Launceston after the concept plans for the $10 million revamp of Albert Hall was revealed.
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A redevelopment of Albert Hall was committed by the federal government, along with the City of Launceston council and the state government, in 2019.
On the eve of an election date announcement, which is expected within the next week, Bass MHR Bridget Archer, along with acting mayor Danny Gibson, shared the Albert Hall plans on Thursday.
The major milestone, which has shared for the first time what the redevelopment will look like, along with a committed timeline for the construction, was criticised by Labor's Helen Polley due to the lack of progress.
However the government says the project is the result of extensive community feedback and aims to strike the right balance between heritage values and community needs.
City of Launceston acting mayor Danny Gibson said the redevelopment would ensure the hall was fit-for-purpose for the needs of the community, which hosted a diverse array of events.
Upgrades will include improvements to toilets, audiovisual equipment, heating, the meeting rooms and lighting, along with the complete refurbishment of the foyer space.
"There has always been a desire that the park and the hall would interconnect," Mr Gibson said.
"This project will ensure greater connectivity between the hall and our much-loved City Park."
Improvements to accessibility will also form part of the foyer space, which has long been an issue for people with a disability who want to access the hall.
The project will be divided into three stages and will be completed during 2022 and 2023.
The first two stages will include the smaller scale works, such as the improvements to audiovisual equipment, toilets and meeting rooms.
Stage three will include the redevelopment of the foyer and incorporates a new space for the existing cafe, along with a new kitchen and improved disability access for the public.
Bass MHR Bridget Archer said the project was part of a modernisation of Launceston, which was informed by what the community wanted to see happen in the city.
An extra $1 million was also announced, as part of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program, bringing the federal government's total contribution to $11 million.
The total project value is expected to be $11.58 million and is part of the Launceston City Deal.
"The redevelopment will enhance the much loved qualities of one of Launceston's most iconic buildings by integrating Albert Hall into City Park and ensuring it is fit for purpose as a contemporary meeting and exhibition space," Ms Archer said.
Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said redeveloping Albert Hall was an important commitment under the Launceston City Deal.
"The redevelopment of one of Launceston's most significant heritage buildings will serve the Northern Tasmanian community for many years to come, providing the region with a venue that will help attract local visitors and tourists," Mr Fletcher said.
Hobart-based architects Terroir won the tender and director Scott Balmforth said designs were based on keeping the heritage values of the hall intact.
"City Park and the existing Albert Hall were the guiding principles, we needed to work with what was already there architecturally," he said.
Work for the architects started last year, but Mr Balmforth said they would oversee the project through to its completion in 2023.
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