The proposed refurbishment of Bowral Memorial Hall has hit a bum note for two musical organisations.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Southern Highlands Symphony Orchestra and Southern Highlands Concert Band fear the proposed changes will make the space unusable and left without a rehearsal or concert hall.
Read also: Robertson Show cancelled for 2021
The Southern Highlands Symphony Orchestra and Southern Highlands have used Bowral Memorial Hall since 2014 for concerts and rehearsals.
Musical director of the Southern Highlands Symphony Orchestra, Dr Allen Stiles, said the changes, as part of a $6.5 million upgrade, would be better suited for a theatre musical group, not for an orchestra or a band.
"The proposed changes to Bowral Memorial Hall are designed for a theatre and we can't use it," he said.
"We can't use the stage because of the curtains affecting the acoustics, so we perform in front of the stage."
Dr Stiles also said the proposed retractable tiered seating would cause issues for both groups.
"It will affect the acoustics and it will change the whole sound," he said.
"The retractable seating will also diminish the floor space and reduce the capacity of our audience.
"It's a huge frustration for us. The Bowral Memorial Hall could be a big success if done correctly. It's a central place, it has great acoustics."
Music director of the Southern Highlands Concert Band, Julian Paviour, said that despite minor improvements such as a larger storage area, Wingecarribee Shire Council hadn't addressed the key concerns of both groups.
"The key problems haven't changed," he said."
"A concert hall doesn't have curtains and the orchestra and band perform on the floor which reduced the floor space," he said.
"The stage is rarely used. Council could deal with this cheaply and open the stage up.
"We still have to perform on the floor, and we still have to set up our stage, which costs close to $1000.
"The biggest failure is not providing a concert stage. I would prefer they do nothing to the hall than make those changes.
"They haven't developed this for music."
Chair of Southern Highlands Symphony Orchestra Jenette Stiles said she felt both groups had been ignored by council.
"We've written submissions, we've tried to have meetings and do the right thing, and they've ignored our needs," she said.
"We've been totally ignored. You would think we'd have better interaction."
Southern Highlands Concert Band president, Gerry Power, said other activities and groups had facilities that could be used but both the orchestra and concert band were struggling to find a suitable venue to use.
Despite the issues with the proposed changes to Bowral Memorial Hall, Dr Stiles said there were some positives.
"If done correctly this could be something fantastic," he said.
"It's a great location between Sydney and Canberra, great acoustics and it could be the jewel in the crown."
Bowral Memorial Hall is set to undergo a major refurbishment, with $2.8 million grant secured from the Australian Commonwealth Government's Building Better Regions Fund and a further $3.7 million Wingecarribee Shire Council has put aside.
Acting general manager Barry Paull said the funds were warmly welcomed.
"It will now allow the council to start initial renovation preparations," he said.
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," Cr 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.
The redevelopment expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021.
Did you know the Southern Highland News is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up below.