Behind the Hoardings - April Update

Progress report - April 2011

With demolition works almost complete, the redevelopment of Hamer Hall is heading into the exciting phase of re-building and introducing the new elements of the project. With so much happening on site, it's a good time to update you on what we've achieved to date.

Demolition Works

The majority of the old deck was demolished and removed off site for recycling and re-use between August 2010 and February 2011.

Piling & Service Relocations

Once the deck was demolished, we were able to commence piling the foundations for the new deck.

We also commenced the massive task of relocating all the existing services (gas, water, electricity and telecommunications) along the riverside to make way for the new deck structure.

The New Technical Zone

In addition to extensive refurbishment works internally, a new technical zone is to be constructed above the stage.

The new technical zone has been designed to improve acoustic efficiency for artists and to 'tidy' the technical equipment (loudspeakers, lighting etc). The new zone will contain equipment within a discrete housing and allow specific elements to be lowered and deployed through openable panels for a range of various performance styles - including orchestral and amplified concerts. As well as allowing the equipment to be lowered for performances, the panels will also act as acoustic reflectors, assisting with sound transference across the platform for performers, and supporting the Hall's other acoustic improvements to provide better all-round sound to the audience.

Prior to commencing this work, a 30 metre high birdcage scaffold was installed, which provides the platform for works to take place. Once the scaffold was given the tick of approval from an independent authority, work on the tech zone commenced. This included using a crane on top of the scaffold to install the heavy steel support framework.

Acoustic Render & Scenic Artist

To assist with improving the acoustics in the Hall, an acoustic render (a papier-mâché like material) has been applied to the existing walls. This was a complicated process, as the render needed to be between 1.5mm and 3mm thick.

Once complete, Scenic Artist, Ross Turner and his team from Scenic Studios, started painting the render to match the existing walls. Ross and two members of his team were the artists who undertook the original painting in the Hall nearly 30 years ago!

Ross and the team will soon be starting works on the sets for the musical theatre production Love Never Dies, the sequel to Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera.

What's Next?

The remaining sections of deck on the west end of site are in the process of being removed, and will be completed by early April 2011. Following on, it will be full steam ahead with the construction of the new deck on the river side of Hamer Hall. Activities that will be taking place over the next few months include:

• Constructing the new raked wall and deck structure on the river side
• Installation of new escalators and lifts
• Installation of new glass facades
• Reinstatement of St Kilda Road level access

Did you know ….

• Over 3,940 tonnes, or nearly 4 million kilograms of concrete have been removed from site.
• Over 1,645 tonnes, or 1.6 million kilograms of steel have been removed from site.
• Over 5 tonnes of bolts will be used to build the tech zone - about the same weight as an elephant!
• Approximately 70 tonnes of steel will be installed in the tech zone
• The crane on top of the scaffold can lift up to 3 tonnes - which is about the same weight as a Hummer!
• Over 122,948 man hours have been worked on site to date

For additional information, please contact Trinity O'Rourke on (03) 9608 7806 or by email at torourke@baulderstone.com.au