Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney on stage at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat with local member Juliana Addison. MP Photo: Facebook.
The curtain will soon rise on the new and improved Her Majesty’s Theatre in Ballarat promising a revamped space inside and out.
Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney has announced the completion of restoration works at the nearly 150-year-old theatre, after a $10 million investment from Regional Development Victoria.
The stage three works mark the final stage of the major restoration that is futureproofing the theatre for generations to come. A grand public opening will be held in November, with major acts Marcia Hines, Daryl Braithwaite and the illusionist Consentino debuting over the holiday period.
The theatre’s new snack bar and box office are all part of supporting Ballarat’s vibrant creative industry – increasing visitation, with the ripple effects flowing to local businesses.
“We’re preserving the legacy of Her Majesty’s Theatre while modernising the space so that people of all abilities can be part of the arts,” Minister Tierney said.
“By upgrading this cherished theatre, we’re encouraging more people to visit and stay in Ballarat – boosting local jobs and businesses.”
Supporting 21 jobs during construction, the upgraded theatre is also paving the way for performers of all abilities to use the space. A new backstage lift means the theatre is accessible to more artists, while the community will enjoy additional accessibility from the new lifts.
“The Allan Labor Government is proud to have invested more than $10 million to ensure that future generations of local and visitors can experience live performances, recitals and eisteddfods at Her Majesty’s Theatre,” Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said.
“The restoration and accessibility upgrades will ensure even more performers and patrons will enjoy all the grand theatre has to offer.”
Well-known as a Ballarat mainstay, Her Majesty’s Theatre is Australia’s oldest continually used theatre and its revitalisation will continue to support the community to deliver high quality performances.
From kids concerts to live music and comedy, the theatre is a key pillar of live entertainment in regional Victoria and one of the most significant 19th century theatres to remain in Australia.
Steel structural support beams and external brick work were completed as part of stages one and two of the theatre’s refurbishment, backed by $5.3 million from City of Ballarat and $2 million from Heritage Victoria.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson welcomed completion of the restoration work.
“There is so much excitement in the air around the theatre reopening and after getting a sneak preview inside, I can promise people will not be disappointed,” he said.
“This redevelopment not only preserves an iconic piece of our city’s history but also ensures that it remains a vibrant, functional space for future generations to enjoy.”
With more people moving to regional Victoria than ever before, the State Government said it was committed to enhancing and preserving the identities of its regional towns.
