THE Torquay Improvement Association (TIA) is opening its doors on Sunday and is inviting the community to take a look around, including inside its just-finished new building.<\/p>\n
The TIA hall in Price Street was built by its members in the 1890s, where it became a focal point for activities in the then-growing town of Torquay.<\/p>\n
The association has been at the site ever since, expanding the hall 12 years ago to accommodate more users.<\/p>\n
Demand continued to increase, so the TIA worked for several years (especially the past two) to design and create a new building on its block, with construction completed on May 28.<\/p>\n
TIA secretary Lynda O\u2019Flaherty said only one group had used the building since its completion, so it was essentially brand new.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s quite impressive, we\u2019re very proud of it. After the open day, the bookings will start in earnest.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re just running out of room in there. I know (the hall) seems big, but they all want it at the same time, and we just had so many groups who wanted something a little bit different, so that\u2019s where this has come in.\u201d<\/p>\n
The TIA\u2019s spaces are heavily used by community groups from Torquay and elsewhere including dance, karate, church, singing, exercise and dancing clubs.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of mornings are free, but every afternoon is full \u2013 it\u2019s empty now (Monday morning), but on Tuesday or Wednesday, if you came down here at five o\u2019clock, there\u2019d be 100 kids here,\u201d treasurer Lesley McQuinn said.<\/p>\n
The open day will be held at the TIA, 8-12 Price Street, Torquay, on Sunday from 2pm.<\/p>\n
For more information on the associaiton, search for \u201cTorquay Improvement Association Inc.\u201d on Facebook.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Torquay Improvement Association (TIA) is opening its doors on Sunday and is inviting the community to take a look around, including inside its just-finished new building. The TIA hall in Price Street was built by its members in the 1890s, where it became a focal point for activities in the then-growing town of Torquay. […]<\/p>\n