Griffith Regional theatre set to be renovated

The 32 year old Griffith Regional Theatre is set to undergo significant construction and upgrade works.The final and most significant stage of the Upgrade and Revitalisation Project commenced Monday 14th October with construction of a new amenities block with fully compliant disabled access toilet, and upgrades to public bathrooms on the first floor.

Funded by the NSW Government, through the Regional Cultural Fund and Clubs NSW Infrastructure Grants, in association with Griffith City Council, the $1million contract for the Upgrade and Revitalisation Project was awarded to the Joss Group.

Manager of Griffith Regional Theatre Raina Savage advised that they were excited to be able to give this much loved facility a good makeover after 30+ years of solid service.

Savage noted "these works will bring Griffith Regional Theatre up to current community standards in terms of accessibility and amenity, and industry standards for professional backstage facilities.

“The program of works includes upgrades to all public toilets on both levels of the building, a new Family Room on the ground floor, new amenities block and a full makeover of all four dressing rooms including a purpose-built disabled access bathroom.

“The final stage of works will involve construction of an open-air amphitheatre complete with seating and a performance stage on the eastern side of the building.

Project Manager Peter Badenhorst advised that a big focus of the upgrades is on accessibility, adding "we want to ensure that all members of the community can access the theatre with comfort and dignity with new disabled facilities on both floors as well as backstage.

“Given the age and structure of the building, along the new compliance regime this project gave us some challenges, however we are confident the new facilities will meet the needs of all theatre users and allow everyone to participate fully in the arts – as both performers and audience.”

Stage 1 of the Upgrade project included new air-conditioning in the Burley Griffin Room, a new state of the art lighting desk, and installation of acoustic panelling in the auditorium, which has been completed.

Stage 2 works commenced on 14th October with site setup, establishment of safety procedures and commencement of excavation works for the new amenities block followed by demolition and replacement of all public toilets on the first floor. As a result of these works the BGR was no longer available from 18th October.

Savage concluded "given the high level of community usage of the facility there is never a perfect time to undertake such an extensive program of works.

“We have scheduled the major disruption to coincide with a three month break in programming going into 2020, but recognise that some users will be inconvenienced in the meantime. We ask everyone to be patient during this awkward stage - knowing that the reward will be much more comfortable and amenable facilities for everyone.”