STAGE three developments have begun for Australia\u2019s oldest continuously operating theatre building.<\/p>\n
Her Majesty\u2019s Theatre is nearly 150 years old, and upgrades have been underway at the venue since 2018, with the most recent works aimed at improving accessibility.<\/p>\n
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the completed restoration will mean more performers and audience members can enjoy the historic venue.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Andrews Labor Government is investing $10 million to make Her Majesty\u2019s more accessible for all audience members,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is one of Ballarat\u2019s treasures. It\u2019s one of our most loved venues in terms of developing culture and the arts in our community.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to make sure there\u2019s equality for all in terms of access to performance.\u201d<\/p>\n
State Government cash has been allocated through the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, with money from the City of Ballarat and the Federal Government bringing the total redevelopment cost to nearly $15 million.<\/p>\n
The stage three works are being undertaken by Nicholson Construction, with new features to include reconstructed fire escapes and two lifts with one granting access from the dressing rooms to the stage.<\/p>\n
Staff at Nicholson Construction previously handled earlier redevelopments at the venue and site manager Michael McNamara said it\u2019s been an interesting project to be a part of.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorking on these older buildings is always very challenging because there\u2019s always probably 70 per cent of the work you don\u2019t know until you open up places and structures to find out what you\u2019re dealing with,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Megan Zanker, acting theatre manager of Her Majesty\u2019s, has been with the venue for about 15 years and said greater accessibility has been a long time coming.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is something that\u2019s been needed for a while and something we\u2019ve been advocating for many years,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPreviously, it\u2019s been a bit limited for patrons going into stalls because that\u2019s the only access they\u2019ve been given plus disability toilets on the lower levels.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stage three works are expected to be completed by July 2024.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
STAGE three developments have begun for Australia\u2019s oldest continuously operating theatre building. Her Majesty\u2019s Theatre is nearly 150 years old, and upgrades have been underway at the venue since 2018, with the most recent works aimed at improving accessibility. Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the completed restoration will mean more performers and audience members […]<\/p>\n