Year Completed: 2005
Awards: RAIA (WA) Heritage Council
Conservation Commendation |2005|
Awards: RAIA (WA) Heritage Council
Conservation Commendation |2005|
Philip Griffiths (Project Architect)
Brandon Pratley (Architect)
Architect in Association:
Bateman Grundmann Wilson Architects
Consultants
Interior Design:
Alan Muston (Griffiths Muston Design)
Structural Engineer:
Robert Rowbottam (Bruechle Gilchrist & Evans)
Hydraulics:
Dennis Preston (Wood & Grieve Engineers)
Electrical:
Anthony Lukatelich (Wood & Grieve Engineers)
Mechanical:
Quentin Wilson (Wood & Grieve Engineers)
Quantity Surveryor:
Bob Britton (Page Krikland Group)
Builder:
Geo. A. Esslemont & Son
The ballroom involved numerous elements to upgrade the presentation and useability, whilst addressing conservation and maintenance for a place that is included in the Register of Heritage Places.
The sympathetic introduction of contemporary services was a key element of the project including; improved disabled access, via two new lifts, a new stage with operable centre platform section, air conditioning systems, programmable lighting systems, fully integrated sound reinforcement system, and upgraded toilets.
The interior of the ballroom was conserved and repainted based on historical paint investigations, new carpet was laid throughout and new curtains were installed. John Grainger's very simple colour scheme was enriched by adding a very small amount of highlight colouring.
A number of maintenance issues were addressed including, rising damp, site drainage, structural stabilisation and re-roofing.
The ballroom is now widely used for general events and for entertainment including music, speech, and performance, as well as for ceremonial purposes..
