News

• 2010-08-13 - $128.5 Million Hamer Hall Transformation Begins

  Construction works are underway on the $128.5 million transformation of Melbourne’s iconic Hamer Hall into a riverfront venue, Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas announced today.

  Mr Pallas was joined by Arts Minister Peter Batchelor, Member for Albert Park Martin Foley and Arts Centre Chief Executive Judith Isherwood on site as clearing works began on the exterior of the building.

  “Today we start to open Hamer Hall up to the Yarra River promenade, transforming the popular concert venue into a riverfront venue that will re-invigorate Melbourne's cultural centre as the vibrant heart of Southbank,” Mr Pallas said.

  “This redevelopment will provide an open, accessible and imaginative precinct that will better connect the arts in Victoria to the community. These works will create a new outward facing venue that integrates seamlessly with new public spaces and the river.

  “The Brumby Labor Government is investing in vital infrastructure like Hamer Hall because we understand how important it is to the community – boosting the local economy and creating 400 jobs while delivering a world-class arts and culture precinct for Melbourne.”

  Mr Pallas said when the iconic Hamer Hall was first built in the 1980s it was the lynchpin of the redevelopment of Southbank.

  “Now that Southbank has been transformed into a major destination for Victorians and visitors alike, it’s time to open up Hamer Hall to the river and to the many thousands of people who take in the riverside promenade each day,” he said.

  “This redevelopment will breathe new life into the venue, while maintaining its unique character and ensuring it will be a state-of-the-art facility that invites people in and meets the needs of artists and audiences well into the future.”

  Mr Batchelor said the new design was a clever rethink of the 30-year-old building that would increase access and maintain its much-loved heritage features.

  “We are excited by how this great design incorporates a second entry to Hamer Hall, with access straight from the river bank promenade to the circle foyer,” he said.

  “The plan is to replace the existing terrace over the river promenade and open up the current undercroft area, create a new civic stair and build a 24-hour lift to provide access from the river to St Kilda Road.

  “For decades the Arts Centre has been one of the principal attractions for Southbank and this impressive redevelopment will ensure it remains so for many years to come.

  “The project also provides vital upgrades to the hall’s acoustics, staging technologies and equipment, as well as its public foyers and visitor amenities. When complete, the hall will look better, sound better and be easier to get around than ever before.”

  Ms Isherwood said the project would enable the Arts Centre to program a broader range of events and attract even more people to Hamer Hall.

  “Our aim is to create a world class performance space for all Victorians that is open every day and into the evening,” Ms Isherwood said.

  “The new design will ensure Hamer Hall can continue to attract world-class performances, provide the opportunity for us to develop a more diverse audience and to further showcase the important Arts Centre Collections through exhibitions and displays.”

  The Hamer Hall refurbishment has been approved by Heritage Victoria and involves a rigorous documentation and management process to ensure its heritage features are treated sensitively.

  Access between St.Kilda Road and Southbank will be maintained during construction, with extensive way-finding signage to direct the public through temporary diversions around the site.

  Leading Australian construction company Baulderstone is delivering the redevelopment, with Hamer Hall expected to reopen in mid-2012.
  

• 2010-04-19 - First Hamer Hall design sketches released

  The Brumby Labor Government and Arts Centre have released the first design sketches for the Hamer Hall refurbishment, as part of the $128.5 million Southbank Cultural Precinct Redevelopment.

  The drawings show Melbourne’s popular concert venue opened up to the Yarra River bank and St Kilda Rd.

  Arts Minister Peter Batchelor said Hamer Hall, which opened in 1982, had become one of Victoria’s cultural icons.

  “Hamer Hall was one of the first buildings situated on the south side of the Yarra River and it was central to the redevelopment of Melbourne’s riverside along Southbank.

  “Now that Southbank has been transformed into a major destination for Victorians and visitors alike, it’s time to open up the building to the river and to the many thousands of people who take in the riverside promenade each day.”

  “This redevelopment will breathe new life into Hamer Hall, while maintaining its unique character and ensuring it will be a state-of-the-art facility that invites people in and responds to the needs of artists and audiences into the future.”

  Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas said the new design was a clever rethink of the 30-year-old building that would increase access and maintain heritage features.

  “We are excited by how this design incorporates a second entry to the Hall, with access straight from the river bank promenade to the stalls. The plan is to also remove the existing covered promenade, create a new ‘civic stair’ and a 24-hour lift from the river to St Kilda Road,” Mr Pallas said.

  “The design reflects how far Melbourne has come in 30 years. When Hamer Hall was built, the Yarra River was something we turned away from, now it is one of our most popular recreational areas.”

  Arts Centre Chief Executive Judith Isherwood said the project, stage one of the Southbank Cultural Precinct Redevelopment, would fulfil the original vision of architect Sir Roy Grounds.

  “Our aim is to create a world class performance space for all Victorians which is open every day and into the evening,” Ms Isherwood said.

  “The new design will ensure Hamer Hall can continue to attract world-class performances and provide the opportunity for us to develop a more diverse audience.”
   
  The project is being lodged with Heritage Victoria next week, with a 28-day public consultation process to follow. There has been ongoing consultation with Heritage Victoria about proposed changes to the building’s exterior, the foyers and the auditorium.

  Works on the Hamer Hall refurbishment is expected to begin by the middle of this year.

• 2009-11-11 - Baulderstone to build Hamer Hall project

  Leading Australian construction company Baulderstone has been selected as the preferred builder for the $128.5 million refurbishment of Melbourne’s Hamer Hall.

  Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas today announced Baulderstone was set to join a project alliance of Arts Victoria, the Arts Centre, Major Projects Victoria and architects Ashton Raggatt McDougall.

  Mr Pallas said there had been strong interest from the building industry for the major cultural facility project.

  “The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to invest in vital infrastructure because we understand how important it is to the Victorian community – boosting the local economy, creating jobs and delivering a world-class arts and culture precinct in Melbourne,” Mr Pallas said.

  “The refurbishment of Hamer Hall is an exciting and challenging project that will provide this Melbourne icon a new lease of life while maintaining its unique character.

  “The project has captured the attention of the construction industry, with initial interest from seven companies, before Baulderstone was selected as the preferred bidder.”

  Mr Pallas said the Hamer Hall redevelopment would create more than 400 jobs and inject around $373 million into the Victorian economy during construction alone. Work is expected to begin in mid 2010.

  The redevelopment of Hamer Hall includes new connections to central Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the Yarra River, new foyer spaces and stairs, better disability access, escalators and lifts, improved acoustics, new auditorium seating and staging systems.

  Arts Minister Lynne Kosky said the Southbank Cultural Precinct Redevelopment would refresh the Arts Centre’s Hamer Hall and surrounds after nearly 30 years serving the community.

  “The arts and cultural facilities in and around Southbank attract more than 3.5 million patrons each year and contribute enormously to Melbourne’s identity and liveability," Ms Kosky said.

  “Our vision for the Southbank Precinct is to create an open, accessible, integrated and imaginative precinct that connects the arts to people and people to the arts.

  “The refurbishment, part of the broader Southbank Cultural Precinct Redevelopment, will help Victoria maintain its reputation as a world-class cultural destination, create jobs, boost the state’s economy and continue to support both the cultural and construction sectors.”

  Arts Centre chief executive Judith Isherwood said the project was an important step for the future of the precinct.

  “This project will ensure that the Arts Centre will continue to be a leader in the performing arts for future generations,” Ms Isherwood said.

• 2009-07-15 - Strong interest from builders in Hamer Hall project

  Four builders have been shortlisted to submit tenders for the $128.5 million redevelopment of Hamer Hall, Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas announced today.
  Mr Pallas said the shortlist included Baulderstone, Bovis Lend Lease, Abigroup and Brookfield Multiplex and was made from seven construction companies that had submitted expressions of interest for the project.

  “The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to invest in vital infrastructure that will boost the local economy, create jobs and deliver a world-class arts and culture precinct in the centre of Melbourne,” Mr Pallas said.

  “The high level of interest is a significant vote of confidence from the construction industry in this exciting and challenging project. The short-listed companies will now submit detailed proposals for the construction of the project.

  “The $128.5 million Hamer Hall redevelopment will require a skilled and innovative builder that can help give this building a new lease of life while maintaining its unique character.

  “As well as helping Victoria maintain its reputation as a world-class cultural destination, the Hamer Hall redevelopment will create more than 400 jobs and inject around $373 million into the Victorian economy during construction alone.”

  The redevelopment of Hamer Hall will include:

  • A spectacular new outlook to the city and new connections to central Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the Yarra River;
  • New and expanded foyer spaces, better amenities, new stairs, better disability access, escalators and lifts; and
  • Improved acoustics, new auditorium seating, cutting-edge staging systems.

  Arts Minister Lynne Kosky said arts and culture was increasingly a major drawcard for Melbourne, attracting international and interstate visitors to the city.

  “Melbourne is widely considered Australia’s cultural capital with an extraordinary concentration of arts facilities and Southbank as is its cultural heart,” Ms Kosky said.

  “The arts and cultural facilities in and around Southbank attract more than 3.5 million patrons each year and contribute to the identity and liveability of the city.”

  The Hamer Hall redevelopment is the first stage of the Southbank Cultural Precinct Redevelopment and will be delivered through an alliance between Arts Victoria, Major Projects Victoria, the Arts Centre, Ashton Raggatt McDougall and the selected building contractor.

  Construction on the Hamer Hall redevelopment is due to begin in 2010.

• 2009-04-24 - Architects appointed for Hamer Hall redevelopment

  Melbourne architects Ashton Raggatt McDougall (ARM) and Peter Elliot Architects have been appointed to design the $128.5 million redevelopment of Hamer Hall which will create more than 400 jobs.

  Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas said the two companies submitted a high quality design team for the project which will open up the Arts Centre Precinct to Southbank and the Yarra River.

  “The Brumby Government is taking action to invest in infrastructure improvements to create jobs while renovating one of Melbourne’s most popular cultural institutions,” Mr Pallas said.

  “ARM shaped the Melbourne Recital Centre/MTC Theatre project and their work on the Shrine of Remembrance showed a great talent for sensitive enhancements to existing buildings. Partners in the project, Peter Elliot Architects are renowned for outstanding urban design.

  “This project will create more than 400 jobs and inject around $373 million into the Victorian economy during construction.”

  Arts Minister Lynne Kosky said the Hamer Hall redevelopment would make the facility even more accessible, providing a better experience for audiences, and ensuring that it can continue to attract and present a wide range of top international and local performers.

  “This project will give Hamer Hall a new lease of life while keeping its unique character. It will be able to host a much wider variety of performances with world class acoustics,” Ms Kosky said.

  “The project will also create a greener and more outward facing venue that integrates with new public spaces and the riverside to make it more accessible and inviting to the public.”

  Ian McDougall of ARM said the firm was ecstatic to be selected for the project.

  “It is our great delight to be able to work with the Arts Centre, retaining the best of the original, and transforming  its future into a new, true city place; connected, contemporary, open and bustling, right there on the river.  It’s a bit like doing a makeover on the Queen. We have to get it right,” Mr McDougall said.

  The redevelopment of Hamer Hall will include:

  • a spectacular new outlook to the city and new connections to the city, St Kilda Road and the river;
  • new and expanded foyer spaces, better amenities, new stairs, improved disability access, escalators and lifts;
  • improved acoustics, new auditorium seating and cutting edge staging systems and technology; and
  • improved sustainable features.

  ARM will now work with the other alliance members Arts Victoria, the Arts Centre and Major Projects Victoria to select an alliance construction contractor for the project later this year. The Hamer Hall project is the first stage of the Southbank Cultural Precinct Redevelopment. Construction will begin in 2010.

• 2008-09-08 - Plans unveiled for Southbank Cultural Precinct Hamer Hall redevelopment announced

  Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s cultural capital is secure with a $128.5 million plan to transform and open up the St Kilda Road Arts precinct to the Yarra River with a redevelopment of the internationally renowned Hamer Hall.

  Premier John Brumby today unveiled the design concepts for the long-term vision of the precinct and a complete overhaul of the professional and audience features of the Melbourne’s major concert hall.

  “From Princes Bridge and south along St Kilda Road we have an array of world-class cultural facilities, the Arts Centre, the NGV and the nearly complete Melbourne Recital Centre and MTC Theatre project on Southbank Boulevard,” Mr Brumby said.

  “In 2006 we committed $5 million for the development of a masterplan and today that masterplan has moved forward with a major overhaul of Hamer Hall announced as part of a $128.5 million package.
   
  “Arts and culture have always been, and are increasingly, major drawcards for Melbourne, attracting international and interstate visitors and contributing to the identity and liveability of the city.

  “Up to 400 jobs will be created though the project which will see our arts hub complementing - and connecting with - our world class sports precinct.

  “This project is a long-term plan for us to maintain our competitive advantage well into the future and create a place where all Victorians and visitors can experience the best arts and cultural activities from Australia and around the world.”

  The $128.5 million package involves a major renovation of Hamer Hall including:

  • A major new crystalline form on the river terrace of Hamer Hall, providing new connections, amenities and a spectacular new outlook to the city;
  • New and expanded foyer spaces;
  • New connections with the city, St Kilda Road and river, with new stairs, improved disability access, escalators and lifts;
  • Improved acoustics, new auditorium seating, cutting edge staging systems and technology;
  • A new flexible multi-purpose performance venue;
  • Workshop and rehearsal spaces; and
  • Innovative approaches to sustainability including power generation and waste and water management.

  Arts Minister Lynne Kosky said the Arts Centre’s founders had an extraordinary vision for Melbourne and created a network of venues - the most complex of their time - that ensured that the people of Victoria had access to the best in the arts.

  “There will be better acoustics, better staging systems and technology, better box office facilities and new auditorium seating to enjoy a greater range of performances – more world music, jazz, circus, physical theatre and the like,” Ms Kosky said. 

  “We will relocate the Black Box performance venue in Hamer Hall to provide a more flexible space for a greater range of contemporary work and allow opportunities for late night performances and see a doubling of seats to 200.

  “There will also be new workshop and rehearsal spaces and in line with contemporary thinking, Hamer Hall will feature innovative approaches to power generation and waste and water management

  “We will create a new outward facing venue that integrates seamlessly with new public spaces and the river. We will enhance the unique heritage character of this defining Melbourne icon and make it more accessible and inviting to the public.”

  In addition to the Hamer Hall works, an extensive community consultation process will also be undertaken along with further detailed design development for the surrounding precinct, including the Theatres Building.

  The Southbank Cultural Precinct Redevelopment Masterplan outlines a vision for the modernisation of the Arts Centre, a proposed new pedestrian promenade over Sturt Street, a major new plaza and other new and revitalised public spaces.

  The redesign of Hamer Hall will also feature green elements  including strategically placed wind turbines and water features, contribute to the environmental sustainability of the precinct with innovative approaches to power generation and waste and water management.

• 2007-08-14 - Architects appointed to plan Southbank Precinct

  Australian architects Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (fjmt) have been appointed to design a new cultural precinct at Southbank, Minister for the Arts Lynne Kosky and Minister for Planning Justin Madden, said today.

  Ms Kosky said fjmt would bring expertise in architecture as well as urban and landscape design to transform the precinct into a major pedestrian-friendly arts and cultural attraction.
  "fjmt is responsible for some of Australia's most exciting designs, including New Parliament House in Canberra, the Scientia complex at the University of New South Wales, and The Mint in Sydney," Ms Kosky said.

  "At Southbank, they will be responsible for developing detailed plans and schematic designs to improve connections between Southbank's major arts and cultural venues and to the CBD."

  The Brumby Government has committed $5 million to support the planning and schematic design of the project, which will transform the area into a major pedestrian-friendly arts and cultural attraction.

  Southbank is a major hub for arts and cultural facilities, including the Arts Centre, National Gallery of Victoria, the CUB Malthouse, Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, the Victorian College of the Arts and associated Secondary School and the Iwaki Auditorium at the ABC headquarters.

  It is also home to the new Melbourne Recital Centre and Melbourne Theatre Company Theatre development, due for completion in 2009.

  "These facilities offer the very best in the performing and visual arts and between them attract more than 3.5 million patrons each year. They require a high quality, accessible, public environment," Ms Kosky said.

  Mr Madden said the redevelopment at Southbank would provide better pedestrian access to the venues and ensure their integration with the public space.

  "The plans for the redevelopment will include the creation of an expanded public plaza linking the Arts Centre's two buildings, providing new space for events and performances, and a pedestrian promenade connecting Sturt Street to St Kilda Road," Mr Madden said.

  "There is also potential for the development of the vacant, former YMCA site and for the integration of the National Gallery of Victoria's gardens into the public space."

  The Southbank Cultural Precinct Redevelopment is a Brumby Government initiative and partnership between Arts Victoria, Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Office of the Victorian Government Architects.