Council to consider Albert Hall eastern wing redevelopment

Published on 29 April 2022

The City of Launceston will consider a Development Application for the redevelopment of the Albert Hall's eastern wing at its meeting next week.

The proposed redevelopment is part of an $11.58m upgrade of the hall, which also includes improved heating, lighting and audio visual equipment.

The Albert Hall is considered one of Launceston's most significant heritage buildings and was listed on the Register of the National Estate in 1978.

Upgrades were approved in 1980, including the addition of the two-storey eastern wing, understage dressing rooms, acoustic works, improved access facilities, and other general refurbishments.

The proposed redevelopment of the eastern wing will include 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.

The redevelopment will also allow the construction of a new accessible entrance, the installation of a lift, as well as a redeveloped loading bay at the south-east corner of the building.

Launceston Mayor Albert van Zetten said he was interested to hear discussion around the table next week when the Council meets as a Planning Authority to consider the Development Application.

"The proposed eastern wing redevelopment has been designed with the stated objective of providing improved facilities and connectivity with City Park," Mayor van Zetten said.

"This is a significant planning application for Launceston involving one of our most important heritage buildings.

"When acting as a Planning authority, the Council’s responsibility is to assess planning applications against the planning scheme and to solely consider the planning merits of the application.

"I look forward to the discussion around this Development Application next week."