New seats installed at Hamilton Performing Arts Centre improve accessibility

After an extensive two-month renovation, new audience seats have been installed at the Handbury Auditorium in the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, marking the completion of the $150,000 facelift to the 150-year-old space.

The old seating has been replaced with 452 brand-new, wider, and more comfortable seats upholstered in a grey material from Australian-owned Warwick Fabrics Australia. The new seats have been raised higher and feature upright backs, creating a feeling of more space.

The new seating layout bringing accessibility up to Australian standards. There are now 11 wheelchair spaces and twice as many aisle seats, plus the retainment of a wide row midway.

In a nod to sustainability, Council rehomed more than half the old seats with local schools, sporting clubs, businesses, and private residents. The rest were recycled.

Southern Grampians Shire Council has also replaced the carpet to improve sound, installed new lighting and has painted the walls a theatrical dark blue.

Mayor David Robertson said the project was funded by a Creative Neighbourhood Infrastructure Support Program grant from Creative Victoria and added “the historic, former town hall has been regularly used by the Hamilton community for generations.

“As it’s now also a major regional venue for touring events, it was important that we upgraded the facilities to improve the experience for the different types of audiences that visit us every week.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to the local businesses that assisted Council with this renovation during the past couple of months and finishing in time for the launch of the Hamilton Eisteddfod.”

The project was supported by Southern Grampians Shire Council, the state government’s Creative Neighbourhood Infrastructure Support Program grant, the HPAC Team, the SGSC Projects Team, Hamilton Carpet Court, Creek Electrical, a handful of trusted local trade contractors, SGSC Depot Staff and local community.

For a schedule of events coming up at the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre visit www.hamiltonpac.com.au