The City of Ballarat could spend $4 million to upgrade power, kitchens, and more at Civic Hall, part of the second stage of works.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Stage two of the works, according to this week's council agenda, would help to attract bigger commercial ventures to the space - one of the largest flat surface halls in regional Victoria.
While big events like the opening Begonia Ball and the Committee for Ballarat's evening with Bob Geldof brought huge numbers, there's a lot more to come - The Wiggles have sold out three shows at the end of June, the Dancing With Our Stars fundraising spectacular is on June 22, and big names like Kris Kristoffersen and Lee Kernaghan are booked to perform there at the end of the year.
The multi-million dollar upgrade of the hall included modernising the interior and foyer, with improvements to acoustics, but there's a lot more to be done.
Council's revised plan for the space builds from how it has been used so far, following the "substantial flexibility" of the first stage.
"The works recommended are principally focused on maximising the viability and community benefit of the venue," the council's agenda reads.
Councillor Daniel Moloney said equipment from Her Majesty's Theatre was currently being used in Civic Hall, which not only provides sound, lighting and staging in the new space, but also protects it during the renovation works.
He said the funding commitment would bring the rest of the infrastructure up to speed, and cut down on hiring costs for big shows.
"With the gear there, we can attract bigger acts and reduce bump in and bump out times - that's quite important," he said.
"Civic Hall made complete sense, but when Her Majesty's reopens, we'll need to put it back."
There's also plans for a commercial kitchen, which would save function caterers setting up portable equipment.
All this extra infrastructure will require a power supply upgrade as well - next week's agenda notes "the current power load is not sufficient to meet an increased demand required by a commercial kitchen. The increase in power capacity will ensure kitchen and event activity needs can be adequately met."
A Council media statement also notes there would be more rigging above the stage, soft furnishings in meeting and dressing rooms, and another 300 auditorium chairs.
Civic Hall reopened in March this year, and while it's still early days, Mr Moloney is confident that it's looking successful into the future.
"It'll take a while to see the return but early signs are promising," he said.
He added The Wiggles' performances would be a highlight.
"The Wiggles are doing three shows, that's 900 or so kids," he said.
"That's a generation that's never been inside Civic Hall before."
Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.
