Major boost for Albert Hall redevelopment

Published on 24 March 2022

The designs for the multi-million dollar upgrade of Albert Hall have been released, bringing to life the vision behind the redevelopment one of Launceston's most significant heritage buildings.

The designs have been released as part of the City of Launceston’s advertisement of the development application for the project, which is expected to occur this weekend.

The Morrison Government has also announced a $1 million funding boost to the project through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program, bringing the Commonwealth’s total contribution to $11 million and the total project value to $11.58 million.

The project is part of the $569 million Launceston City Deal, which is a 10-year partnership aimed at transforming Launceston into Australia’s most liveable and innovative regional city.

Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said redeveloping Albert Hall is an important commitment under the Launceston City Deal.

“The redevelopment of one of Launceston's most significant heritage buildings will serve the Northern Tasmanian community for many years to come, providing the region with a venue that will help attract local visitors and tourists,” Minister Fletcher said. 

“This is yet another example of all three levels of government working together through the City Deal to deliver significant infrastructure projects that boost the liveability and vibrancy of the city.”

Minister for State Growth the Hon Roger Jaensch MP said the designs for the redevelopment of Albert Hall looked fantastic – honouring the site’s history and tradition while modernising it to attract new patrons and events as the City comes back to life post-COVID.

"It is another clear demonstration that the City Deal is working to enliven the region and achieve the vision to make Launceston the most liveable and innovative regional city in Australia," Minister Jaensch said.

Federal Member for Bass, Bridget Archer MP, said the Albert Hall project will redefine one of Launceston's most significant heritage buildings as a cultural destination for Northern Tasmanians.

“The redevelopment will enhance the much loved qualities of one of Launceston’s most iconic buildings by integrating Albert Hall into the City Park and ensuring it is fit for purpose as a contemporary meeting and exhibition space,” Ms Archer said. 

City of Launceston Acting Mayor Danny Gibson said one of the major objectives of the project will be to provide greater connectivity and interaction between the Hall and another of Launceston's most popular attractions, City Park.

"Planning for this project has drawn heavily on feedback from key user groups and the local community," Cr Gibson said. 

"The Council met with a range of stakeholders last year to assist with planning for the project and the resulting improvements to the Hall's accessibility and functionality will ensure it remains relevant as a venue for conferences, functions and other events both large and small."

Showcasing classical Victorian architecture, the Hall is considered one of Launceston's most significant heritage buildings and was listed on the Register of the National Estate in 1978. Significant improvements were approved in 1980, including the two storey eastern wing, under-stage dressing rooms, acoustic works, improved access facilities, and other general refurbishments.

Cr Gibson said work on stage one and two of the redevelopment, which included upgrades to the hall's heating, meeting rooms, toilets, lighting, audio and visual capabilities, will be completed this year.

Stage three civil works are expected to start later this year and will include an eye-catching extension to the hall fronting the City Park.

"This will involve a significant redevelopment of the eastern wing, including the cafe, kitchen, a meeting room as well as a new entrance and foyer," Cr Gibson said. 

Tasmanian architecture firm Terroir was engaged as the primary architectural and engineering design team for the project.

Cr Gibson said this is an incredible opportunity to enhance the already much-loved qualities of Albert Hall and City Park, and in doing so, reimagine the intrinsic connection originally planned between both.

"Through the body of work Terroir has undertaken, their design concept is clear - to integrate Albert Hall with City Park, and to engage visitors more deeply and meaningfully.

"In fact, this was one of the key recommendations made by our independent heritage consultant during the development of the Heritage Conservation Management Plan.

The City of Launceston has undertaken significant engagement with the current users and operators of the Hall to minimise disruptions during construction, as well as a four-week public engagement process through the Council's Your Voice Your Launceston platform.

The feedback received has helped inform and reshape the project in a genuine and meaningful way. The Council also expects to receive further feedback during the development application process.

"We know that Northern Tasmanians are passionate about the Albert Hall, so it is vitally important that we continue to engage with our community going forward throughout this process," Cr Gibson said.

More information on the Launceston City Deal is available at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/cities/city-deals/launceston