City of Albany provides update on town hall redevelopment project revealing the venue’s creative new life

The Albany Town Hall redevelopment is set to make the historic venue the region’s flagship visual arts venue when it reopens later this year.

The repurposing of the Town Hall started last October with conservation works, safety and structural repairs, upgrades and the development of new facilities.

The project is scheduled for completion in early December.

In a newsletter sent out last week, the City of Albany said high-specification galleries and a multi-functional flat floor space would support a range of arts, cultural and civic events, as well as providing artisan retail opportunities.

It said the ground floor galleries were already fully programmed until December next year.

On reopening, the community will have a fully curated exhibition program, staff on site providing a reception service and an artisan retail space in operation.

New floating walls have been installed to give exhibitors more flexibility and allow artwork to be directly fixed to the walls.

An external walkway will greet visitors on arrival with an automatic front door making accessibility easier.

The first floor will also be available for hire when construction is finalised, subject to COVID-19 restrictions.

The City said the first floor would be suitable for community exhibitions, creative industry symposiums, live music, cabaret and cocktail style functions.

The Town Hall’s tiered seating and mezzanine wings on the first floor have been removed, while the old roof has been replaced.

A new stage hoist has been added, as well as improved house lighting.

The existing ground floor spaces have been painted and upgraded with air conditioning units and refurbished flooring.