Ipswich City Council

Festival of Theatre Media

Civic Hall gets set for new season

18 January 2008

WORK has commenced on a major renovation program for the Ipswich Civic Hall.

The work, which began in December is designed to address disability access and create improvements to the hospitality service areas.

Arts Community and Cultural Services Committee Chairperson Councillor Charlie Pisasale said the works were well planned to continue through until until to March 7 to cause the least possible disruption to the theatre going community.

"The Box Office service counter will be located at the Council's Customer Service Centre in the Ipswich City Square until work is completed.

"Phone bookings for performances will be available as usual during business hours on 3810 6100 and tickets can be purchased on line at www. ipswichcivichall.com.au ."

Cr Pisasale said the construction would include new toilets for the disabled plus a major upgrade of the auditorium and the food preparation areas.

"Ipswich Civic Hall has been one of the premier function venues in the city for over 30 years.

"In recent times it has experienced a large increase in patronage for performing art shows and the use of the various function rooms.

"This increased support is expected to continue as the population of the Ipswich continues to grow.

"Therefore it was imperative that the Civic Hall be refurbished to allow it to function efficiently into the future."

Cr Pisasale said in recent years a staged program of refurbishments had enhanced the capability of the building to be able to present national and international touring performances.

"Staging and safety improvements have included the addition of a stage loading dock, refurbished flytower plus the addition of digital lighting and sound equipment.

"We have not forgotten the comfort of our patrons either with new seating for the main auditorium and the gallery above.

"We're expecting this work to be completed by March this year to cater for our Festival of Theatre launch for 2008 which will see a fantastic line up of local and world class entertainment in the theatre this year.

"We wanted a theatre with patron comfort while providing first class facilities for the performers coming to town and that's exactly what we're getting," Cr Pisasale said.

-ENDS-

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Last Updated 18 Jan 2008 |

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