Civic Theatre repairs continuing
Date published: 2 May 2019
The Townsville Civic Theatre is currently undergoing major repairs to the building following the unprecedented monsoon.
The theatre was severely damaged during the monsoon including the water damage in the orchestra pit, basement and back of house.
Specialist equipment was damaged in the event and there is significant mould throughout the building that needs to be eliminated.
The auditorium seating has been removed and there is now substantial scaffolding in place throughout the theatre so workers can complete the rectification works.
Local Recovery and Resilience Group Chair Cr Les Walker said Council is hoping to have the building operational again as soon as possible.
“There is a lot of work needed to get the Civic Theatre operational again, but we are working with the builders to get it done as quickly as we can,” Cr Walker said.
“The theatre has recently had a major renovation completed and we can’t wait for it to reopen and the community to see the upgrades back in action.”
Council has made a commitment to have part of the Civic Theatre functional for the Australian Festival of Chamber Music.
Infrastructure Committee Chair Cr Mark Molachino said repair works to the Civic Theatre had begun as soon as possible after the monsoon.
“The scope of works required to get the theatre operational is rolling and quite extensive – work began as soon as the building assessment was complete,” Cr Molachino said.
“The builders were involved in the original renovation of the theatre so have all the knowledge needed to replace specialist stage equipment.”
Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Cr Colleen Doyle said Council has been doing their best to reschedule performances where possible.
“Council staff have been working with hirers and show organisers to ensure they can make an informed decision on whether to cancel or postpone their shows,” Cr Doyle said.
“In some cases, we have been able to find new venues or dates for Council’s public programs such as Morning Melodies, which will be held next week at Brothers Leagues Club.
“The inaugural North Australian Festival of Arts is also in planning and we have been successful in adding Wolfgang’s Magical Musical Circus, and the Met Opera’s La Traviata and Carmen to the program.”
