AusLeisure

Melbourne architects Ashton Raggatt McDougall (ARM) and Peter Elliot Architects have been appointed to design the $128.5 million redevelopment of Hamer Hall at Melbourne's Southbank cultural precinct.

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, stating "the (Victorian) Government is taking action to invest in infrastructure improvements to create jobs while renovating one of Melbourneâs most popular cultural institutions.

"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."

Victorian 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.

Minister Kosky added "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.

"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, adding "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. Itâs a bit like doing a makeover on the Queen. We have to get it right."

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.

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