Works on track at Her Maj

THE current phase of the Her Majesty’s Theatre redevelopment project is on track to be completed in August as Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison, and City of Ballarat mayor Cr Des Hudson toured the building this week to see the progress.

Nicholson Construction have now shifted focus to installing two lifts and increasing fire protection, including a fire escape exiting to Unicorn Lane, as well as installing a sprinkler system.

The two lifts will allow full accessibility in the building from the front and back entrances.

“I strongly believe that whatever you’re doing in Ballarat, it should be inclusive of everyone,” said Ms Addison.

“If you’ve got a grandma who’s just had a hip replacement, she should be able to come and watch her grandchild perform on this stage.

“If we are going to be an inclusive city and we are going to say that everyone is welcome here, making our venues accessible to people of all abilities is so important.”

The demolition and structural works are almost completed with effort now being put towards completing the project.

Once completed, the theatre will have a new front-of-house area, toilet facilities and administration area.

“The customary experience on arrival with a ticket box and bar is also important and of course fire rating that is going to mean in an emergency the best system in terms of preservation of life and the facility is going to be in play,” said Cr Hudson.

“I am just amazed at the skill of all the tradies who have played a role and stripped back a facility that is 150 years old and presented some different challenges.”

The project has been funded by $10 million from the State Government and $6.3 million from the City of Ballarat.

Expressions of interest will soon be open for community or commercial groups who may wish to hire the theatre.