Blog

Monday, 15 October, 2018

The first stage of emergency conservation and structural repair works are now underway at Her Majesty’s Ballarat.

Ballarat contractor AW Nicholson Pty Ltd has won a $3.3 million contract to begin the first stage of works for the 143-year-old performing arts landmark, which is listed on the Heritage Register.

The works include reinforcing and remediating the roof structural trusses, demolition and reconstruction of the stage, localised roof sheeting replacement, internal guttering, drainage works, damp remediation works, plaster repair works, and fire and lighting service works. 

Stage one is the first step in realising the greater vision for the building – to not only maintain but also to improve the quality, accessibility and functionality of ‘Her Maj’, bringing this 19^th century theatre into the 21^st century – giving it a new lease on life for generations to come. 

AW Nicholson, which also built Ballarat’s Mars Stadium, is expected to begin works within the next few weeks. The first stage of the project – the conservation works – are expected to be completed before the 2019 Royal South Street Eisteddfod. 

The emergency restorative works are jointly funded by a $2 million grant from the Living Heritage Program, provided by the Department of Environment Land Water and Planning via Heritage Victoria, and the City of Ballarat – which allocated $5.3 million in its 2018-2019 budget to help fund the works. 

In July, the City of Ballarat launched the Save Her Majesty’s Ballarat – The Time Is Now campaign. The campaign calls on state and federal governments to provide the additional $15 million required for the next stage of works to secure the future of Ballarat’s foremost performing arts venue, ensuring the theatre is safe and can once again open its doors to performers, patrons, staff and the wider community. 

The campaign has already resulted in the community rallying to save the historic gem. A significant number of people have visited savehermaj.com to register their support and others, including comedian Carl Barron, have left messages on the online Wall of Support. 

The Save Her Majesty’s Ballarat – The Time Is Now campaign will fund a range of major works to improve the quality, accessibility and functionality of the theatre, such as adding accessible toilets and accessible seating, upgrading the existing lifts at front and back of house, a new entrance and foyer works, including box office and refreshment bar, signage and display system. These works will also include improvements to the fly systems, dressing rooms and the Long Room. 

Her Majesty’s Ballarat will continue to present shows at alternate venues throughout the closure for restorative works. Details and tickets are available at hermaj.com 

Members of the public are being given a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes at Her Majesty’s Ballarat as part of the Save Her Majesty’s – The Time Is Now campaign.  

The theatre will welcome a limited number of patrons on guided tours next week, showing the need for conservation works to save the 19^th century venue.

Mayor of Ballarat Cr Samantha McIntosh said the tours would give the public a better understanding of how crucial the proposed works are to the theatre’s future.

“It really is much easier to understand the works we need to do when you can see the deterioration with your own eyes,” Mayor McIntosh said.

“We know how important Her Majesty’s is to our community and we want to be able to share as much of it with the public as we possibly can.

“We think the access we can give through these tours and the information sessions will help spread the word and gather support for the campaign to save Her Majesty’s.”

The City of Ballarat is currently advocating for $15 million funding from the state and federal governments for urgent works at the theatre. Council has contributed $5.3 million to the project in its 2018/19 budget, and emergency conservation works are currently underway with the help of a grant from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s Living Heritage Grants through Heritage Victoria.

Drop-in information sessions will also be held at the Ballarat Library to allow interested residents to ask questions on the campaign and the works required at Her Majesty’s.

Details of the sessions are as follows:

PUBLIC TOURS 
HER MAJESTY’S BALLARAT 
Numbers strictly limited. Bookings essential.
Tuesday 14 August – 10am (SOLD OUT) and 6pm (SOLD OUT)
Thursday 16 August – 10am (SOLD OUT) and 6pm (SOLD OUT)
NEW DATES ADDED
Tuesday 21 August – 10am
Thursday 23 August – 10am
Friday 24 August – 2pm

Book online at http://hermaj.com/events/hermajtour/

Patrons will be required to walk for the duration of the tour and must wear flat, closed in shoes. Patrons must also be comfortable climbing stairs and being at heights. 

DROP-IN SESSIONS 
BALLARAT LIBRARY 
Bookings not required – you may attend at any time in the two-hour period
Monday 13 August – 2-4pm
Friday 17 August – 10am-12pm

For more information, to tell us your Her Majesty’s story, or to donate, visit savehermaj.com

Works are currently underway at Her Majesty’s to address conservation heritage features and improve the structure and safety of this iconic theatre.  With the aid of a $2 million-dollar Living Heritage grant provided by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) via Heritage Victoria, the first stage of the works is underway. This work includes localized replacement of the roof and internal box gutter, as well as external façade repairs and stormwater system remediation. It further addresses significant rising damp remediation, upgrade of fire safety systems and emergency lighting systems, conservation works to heritage urinals, and remediation works to trusses over stage with minor structural repair works over the auditorium. These works are due for completion by February 2019.

The City of Ballarat has allocated $5.3 million in its 2018/19 budget for the next stage of works, the completion of which would allow for the safe reopening of the venue but would not guarantee the longevity of its future. These works will include structural renewal of the stage, development of a comprehensive fire strategy and implementation of recommended works, an upgrade of the existing passenger lift, works to improve balcony and balustrade safety, provision of accessible toilets, and provision of accessible seating in the dress circle. These works will also include a new box office and refreshment bar, foyer signage, and display system.

The further $15 million-dollars is being sought from the state and federal governments and would guarantee the ongoing operation and safety of Her Majesty’s for generations to come. These works would include an upgraded and expanded wing space, new passenger lift to stage area, new power flying system, new extended fly system, new green room and large dressing room, installation of the thrust stage/new orchestra pit, refurbishment and fit out of administration space, and installation of a quiet room.

There is much to be done, and we can’t do it without your support. Visit the Wall of Support to add your voice to the campaign or donate here to contribute to the capital works required at Her Majesty’s. Every voice and every cent counts and will make a difference.