Twyford Hall Redevelopment Supported
July 27, 2007: Merimbula’s Twyford Hall has been given approval for a transformation.
Bega Valley Shire Council has approved the $1 million redevelopment of the site in Market Street with Mayor Tony Allen saying the community facility will create a centrepiece for the town once the works are completed.
However Council will continue to work with the Twyford Hall Committee to explore all avenues for the construction of public toilets either in the building or a location near-by.
“Councillors have given their support for the redevelopment of the hall because of its important role in community and cultural events, not just in Merimbula but across the shire,” Cr Allen said.
“But Councillors are concerned that the public toilets that are currently accessible at the hall will be lost in the redevelopment and a replacement option should be found for the best interests of the community.”
Council has resolved that the existing Twyford Hall shall be modified to provide public toilet facilities in accordance with the plan prepared by Murray Watts and Associates.
The full details will need to be submitted to Council’s Engineering Services Director Doug Mein prior to the issue of the Construction Certificate by the Principal Certifying Authority.
Should the applicant demonstrate that toilets within the hall facility are not feasible, then the Twyford Hall Committee will enter into an agreement with Council for the provision of toilet facilities at an alternative location within the locality. This agreement shall be finalised prior to issue of the Construction Certificate by the Principal Certifying Authority.
The full cost of toilet facilities will have to be met by the hall committee.
Cr Allen said because of the importance of the redevelopment of the hall and the wonderful work of the hall committee Council would waive the $308,600 parking contribution that would be needed with the major renovations.
“We hope we can come to an acceptable agreement with the committee to get the project moving in a positive direction,” Cr Allen said.
The proposal involves the construction of a sloping theatre comprising a basement, ground floor and upper level.
There will be an orchestra pit, under stage dressing rooms and a director’s box.
There will be permanent seating for 192 people, and there will be additional temporary seating for 30 people when the orchestra pit is not in use bringing the total seating capacity to 222.
The existing hall which is to remain will also provide opportunities for community use.
“This is an exciting project and it will have enormous benefits for the whole shire. The committee has worked very hard to ensure the existing facility is well managed and makes a positive contribution to the social and cultural fabric of the local and broader region.
“Its plan to improve that function by expanding the theatre is to be applauded.”
