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Home PublicationsArts View |
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Building the State's
arts |
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December 2001
Volume 2, Issue 4
Since its introduction in 1999, the Regional Arts Infrastructure Fund
(RAIF) has made significant progress in the development of the statewide
network of arts facilities. This includes performing arts venues, which
support regional tours of professional touring companies. In combination
with advanced programming, these new venues will allow access by a greater
number regional Victorians to an increased variety of quality performance
works.
A previous edition of Arts View featured new venues at Shepparton,
Echuca and Colac, which made an impressive start to this venture. A number
of other major projects are being developed and will commence construction
soon.
Sale Performance Space project
Wellington Shire Council has engaged Harmer Architecture to design the
new Sale Performance Space, which will be situated next to the Civic Centre
in Sale. Apart from housing a 350 seat auditorium, foyer, cafÂZ and community
spaces, the Council recognises the building's important planning role
as Sale looks to the future: the Sale Performance Space will strengthen
connections between Sale town centre and the Port of Sale waterfront.
Architect Phil Harmer describes the building as 'a dramatic ... wedge-shaped
form', making linkages by its positioning in a 'diagonal slash across
the site'. The auditorium and stage elements will be enhanced by an impressive
folded plate roof.
Currently in design development phase, the approximately $5.2 million
centre has been supported by $2 million of State funding, which has come
through Art's Victoria's RAIF and the Community Support Fund.
The Council has set a demanding time frame for the project team, with
tenders for construction expected to be let early in 2002, and work to
be completed within a further 12 months.
New performing arts centre for Bendigo
The City of Greater Bendigo is in the midst of one of the largest building
projects it has undertaken this century. The structure will provide a
refined 950 seat auditorium with a full fly tower, greatly extending the
scale of productions able to be presented to Bendigo and surrounding audiences.
The works will also include a direct extension of circulation spaces from
the existing Capital Theatre, through a glazed foyer to view and directly
access Rosalind Park.
Hassell, one of Australia's major architectural firms, is nearing the
end of the design documentation stage on the project. Project director
David Morrison said: 'The new theatre plays a lead role as a "meeting
place"; integrating the historic Capital Theatre complex on View Street,
with the romantic setting of Rosalind Park.'
The new theatre building is designed to compliment the varied architectural
elements that surround it: the existing Capital Theatre, the Queen Elizabeth
Oval grandstand, and the Bendigo Art Gallery and its recently completed
extensions.
Bendigo City Council has sensitively considered the impact of a building
of this scale, and particularly its ongoing environmental running costs.
Among a series of low energy design initiatives, the major and highly
innovative element is the use of a rock bed thermal storage system for
air conditioning, which is an Australian first.
This project, estimated to cost over $13 million, is supported through
the Victorian Government's RAIF ($4 million) and the Commonwealth
Government's Centenary of Federation Fund ($2 million). The centre
will open in 2003.
Model of Bendigo's new performing arts centre viewed from Rosalind Park. Photo
courtesy of Hassell.
Swan Hill Town Hall in focus
The Swan Hill Rural City Council has embarked on a project that will dramatically
transform its historic Town Hall into a major performing arts space. Architects
Baade Harbour Australia (Ltd) (BHA) will transform the stage area and
the 'west wing' of the building into a performing arts venue that meets
current high quality standards.
BHA proposes to widen and relocate the stage forward by over two metres
to increase stage depth, while still retaining its distinctive 'swan'
art deco design features. In addition, the west wing building will be
substantially modified to provide adequate wing spaces, loading docks,
storage and performer facilities.
As part of the Council's bigger vision for establishing the performing
arts as part of Swan Hill's lifestyle, work is also being carried out
in conjunction with the Swan Hill Secondary College to modify Harrison
Hall, a run-down auditorium on the College campus. This venue is proposed
as a 200 to 300 seat flexible 'black box' performance space.
With management of both venues under the control of the Council's performing
arts centre manager, Swan Hill will have the capacity to offer an exciting
mix of touring performing arts to its audiences.
The Victorian Government's contribution to the combined project is $2
million, provided through the RAIF.
For information on the Regional Arts Infrastructure Fund, contact
Ian Rogers on 03 9954 5041, email Ian Rogers or Becky Sharpe on 03 9954 5043, email Becky Sharpe. |
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