Council agrees to contribution to Albert Hall development
Published on 17 July 2023
The redevelopment of one of Launceston's most significant heritage buildings is a step closer to reality after Councillors voted to make a Council contribution, making it a $16 million renewal project.
City of Launceston acting Mayor Matthew Garwood said the development of the Albert Hall will ensure that it becomes a contemporary, fit-for-purpose community asset that will continue to service the community for many years to come, while providing the region with a venue that will attract local visitors and tourists alike.
"This proposal will modernise and greatly enhance the much loved qualities of Albert Hall by integrating it into the City Park - the way it was always intended to - and ensuring it is fit for purpose as a contemporary meeting and exhibition space," Acting Mayor Garwood said.
The Federal Government has pledged $11 million for the project as a Launceston City Deal commitment.
The remaining $5 million will be funded through the Council's existing capital works budget.
"The reality is that Council has - in recent years - underspent on the Albert Hall, prioritising other important public facilities such as the Launceston Aquatic Centre, York Park and the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery," Acting Mayor Garwood said.
"In fact, over the past 14 years, Council has only spent around $4 million on the Hall - compare that with a $24 million investment in the Stadium, $17 million on the museum, $6 million on the Aquatic Centre, and $10 million for a new cell at the Launceston Waste Centre last year.
"The feeling of the Council is that a $5 million contribution to what is such an incredibly important project for the community is not only warranted but absolutely required in the grand scheme of things."
In May this year, Councillors unanimously approved a development application to redevelop the eastern wing of the Albert Hall.
The redevelopment includes a new reception area, foyer, cafe and function kitchen at ground floor level, and a new foyer and meeting room at the first floor level.
Council's initial proposal was sent out for tender late last year, however that process proved unsuccessful.
"The Northern Tasmanian construction market has experienced an oversupply of work, which caused the initial delays in the project," Acting Mayor Garwood said.
"There are signs, however, that is now starting to moderate," Acting Mayor Garwood said.
In December 2020, Council engaged with the community regarding the proposal, seeking feedback around current and future use of the Hall, and importantly what aspects of the historic building people cared most deeply about.
More than 1000 locals engaged with Council through that six week process, with more than 475 people completing the survey.
The Albert Hall (originally named 'The New Pavilion') was built in 1891 at a cost of 14,000 pounds to house the Tasmanian Industrial Exhibition of 1891-92. When it was officially opened, the Hall was considered the 11th largest public building in the world.
In 1980, Council approved the original redesign of the eastern wing, new under-stage dressing rooms, acoustic improvements as well as access facilities and other general refurbishments.
"However it has been some time since the hall received a significant overhaul, and it is understandably starting to show its age - from both a practical sense and aesthetically," Acting Mayor Garwood said.'
"During our public engagement process, we heard from a number of event organisers that this wonderful and unique building is in need of further improvements to both accessibility and functionality to remain relevant as a venue for conferences, functions and major events.
"The final plans, which were adopted by Council in May, drew heavily on that stakeholder feedback so we're extremely comfortable that the community's needs and wishes have been heard.
"We know that Northern Tasmanians are extremely passionate about the Albert Hall so it is important that we help inform and reshape this project going forward in a genuine and meaningful way that both improves the usability of the hall while preserving its iconic facade and rich historic interior features."