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Kernot Hall first stage of redevelopment completed with $2.5M funding from Community Infrastructure Loans Scheme

Latrobe City Council held an official opening event to showcase upgrades at Kernot Hall. The renovations aimed to enhance accessibility, ensuring the venue's continued success in hosting various events.

By news@gippsland - 12th October 2023 - Back to News

Latrobe City Council are pleased to announce that Stage 1 of the Kernot Hall Redevelopment is complete. This project was delivered with support from the state government with a $2.5 million loan through the state government's Community Infrastructure Loans Scheme. Council hosted an official opening event at the refurbished venue to showcase the impressive upgrades that have been made.

Kernot Hall Redevelopment encompasses enhancing accessibility, connecting the kitchen and foyer, renovating the foyer, bathroom upgrades, three meeting rooms, and improved main hall acoustics

Kernot Hall stage 1 upgrades

The recommendation of the report was to focus on functionality upgrades. Works that have been completed as part of Stage 1 includes:

• Acoustic treatment to the main hall
• Updated amenities throughout
• The inclusion of accessible amenities both front and back of house
• Construction of new meeting rooms
• Connection from the kitchen to the foyer
• Back of house accessible ramp
• Inclusive access to the stage and back of house

The need to reinvigorate the space to attract a new generation of hall users was identified in the Latrobe Convention Centre Business Case.

Well-deserved upgrade

Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Kellie O'Callaghan said the redevelopment was vital to ensure the venue is compliant to all accessibility needs and can continue to host major events in the future. "Kernot Hall was first constructed in 1980 and has been host to many community events over its 43 years. It's a special venue to Latrobe City residents and after many years of use, it was ready for a well-deserved upgrade."

"The venue has a long proud history from community events to commercial hirers bringing performances and performers to the region including US Ventriloquist David Strassman and country music legend Lee Kernaghan. Over the years Kernot Hall has demonstrated versatility being an ideal space for:

• Expo's
• Large Italian weddings
• School concerts productions and graduations
• Festivals including Maltese and Filipino
• The Queen's Baton Relay for the Commonwealth Games 2019
• Emergency relief centre and several sold out Wiggle Concerts, which saw four shows in one tour sold out with 800 audience members per show!

"The upgrades have increased the venue's longevity and made it a more functional, accessible and modern space that all community members and visitors can enjoy," said the mayor. The redevelopment started in December last year and was completed early this month by the local contractor, Langden Constructions. Find more information about the project on council's website via Kernot Hall Redevelopment page.

Pictures from Latrobe City Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com