Wingecarribee Shire Council have secured $2.8 million in Australian Government funding to renovate Bowral Memorial Hall.
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Council's Acting General Manager Barry Paull said the funds had been secured as part of the latest round of the Australian Government's Building Better Regions Fund.
"The funds are warmly welcomed and will now allow Council to start initial renovation preparations," Paull said.
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As part of the grant funding allocation of $2,805,423, monies are to be capped and split over two subsequent financial years.
The funds secured from the Australian Government will be added to the existing $3.7 million Council had already allocated towards the renovations as part of the 2020/21 Operational Plan and Budget.
Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Duncan Gair said on completion the building would once again become a premier performance and entertainment destination.
"By pooling the grant monies with Council's existing allocation of funds, we'll revitalise Bowral Memorial Hall to its former glory," Gair said.
The redevelopment of the hall will include structural upgrades to the existing building including the installation of a new roof and lifts, upgrading the kitchen and bathroom facilities and providing access for all abilities.
Other improvements will include the installation of a new air conditioning system, sound and lighting equipment, upgraded seating and improved building acoustics.
Heritage elements including the building faade will also be protected and rejuvenated.
"On completion the rejuvenated hall will be able to accommodate a wide range of cultural events, particularly unamplified musical performances, conferences and community events," Gair said.
"I have no doubt that once the renovations are complete the venue will once again become a major drawcard for local and touring productions."
Following the Ordinary Council Meeting of 28 October 2020, it was resolved that a short-list of five companies will be invited to submit a tender for the delivery of the refurbishment project.
The announcement of funds for the hall follows recent multi-million-dollar grants secured by Council for improvement works on Old South Road, Eridge Park Road and preliminary investigations into the Moss Vale Bypass Project.
"I've been advocating for the upgrade of Bowral Memorial Hall for a number of years and this latest funding announcement is testimony of the Australian Government's confidence in our Shire," Gair said.
"I applaud the staff of Council for securing these funds."
"I also thank the Federal Member for Whitlam, Stephen Jones MP for his continued backing of our Shire and for recognising the importance of investing in projects that support local businesses during these difficult times."
The redevelopment of Bowral Memorial Hall is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021.
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