Accessibility and safety works to progress on Ballarat’s Her Majesty’s Theatre

Aiming to improve accessibility, operational safety and functionality at its Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat City Council has approved the awarding of the tender for the third stage of the redevelopment to local company A.W Nicholson Pty Ltd.

The project will require an additional budget of $3,636,533 to complete the planned scope of works, taking the total project cost to $14,799,533.

The existing budget allocation for the project was $11,163,000.

The additional amount is to be funded by a positive result from the 2021/22 financial year, to be carried over to the 2022/23 budget.

The Victorian government initially contributed $10 million towards the project.

The scope of the contract involves the following works:

• Demolition / reconstruction of new north fire stair.

• Demolition and reconstruction of the external stalls fire stair.

• Supply and installation of 2 x passenger lifts (front and back of house).

• Refurbishment to the front of house.

• Reconfiguration and refurbishment of the administration area. 

• Upgrades to fire detection and protection.

• Accessibility compliance upgrades.

• Limited services upgrades.

• Amenity upgrades.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Daniel Moloney said the project was of utmost significance and thanked the state government for their support, commenting "it's a beautiful 148-year-old theatre that I absolutely love.

“I love the fact also that we will be improving the access for people, not just those with a physical challenge but also those who are older and having trouble getting up the stairs, to enjoy the great cultural experiences that Her Majesty's has to offer.”

Image courtesy City of Ballarat