Civic Hall’s restoration is still on track, but events held in the space are likely to be delayed due to construction.
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The building is undergoing re-painting, plaster repairs, with new carpet and the installation of new heating and cooling, as well as electrical and plumbing upgrades.
While parts of the building were pressure-washed last week, not everyone was enthused by Civic Hall’s shiny new look, with large graffiti appearing on the building’s western side on Friday morning.
The restoration of the community space is on track for completion at the end of 2018, with the doors to open to the public for the first time in 15 years early next year.
But at a council meeting on September 12, City of Ballarat director of development and planning Angelique Lush said they anticipated their ability to host events in the space would be affected by noise “due to the sensitive works on GovHub build”.
The $47.8 million GovHub project is expected to be completed by 2020.
Mayor Samantha McIntosh said in a statement City of Ballarat could not “simply re-open the building as it was, substantial upgrades were required to bring the hall into line with appropriate building standards”.
“The work currently being undertaken at the site will enable the Civic Hall to be re-opened to the public for similar uses to those before it closed, but with the added demand from a growing population and the benefit of GovHub next door,” she said.
Builders S.J. Weir’s received the $4.6 million contract to restore the 1955 building earlier this year.
The last civic event was held in the space in November 2002.
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