After two-years and $128.5M worth of redevelopments, Melbourne’s Hamer Hall will reopen its doors to reveal a new sophisticated design and complete acoustic overhaul.
Melbourne architectural firm Ashton Raggatt McDougall (ARM) was appointed to design the new concert hall as part of the Southbank Cultural Precinct Redevelopment, which aimed to connect the Arts Centre with the river and the city.
The redevelopment has updated the Hamer Hall’s acoustics and stage technology, widened the seating and improved back of house facilities, while also creating a more outward facing venue integrated with new public spaces and the riverside to make it more accessible and inviting to the public.
A second entry to Hamer Hall from the riverbank promenade will allow access straight from the river to the circle foyer and a new terrace over the riverbank promenade will feature a ‘civic stair’ and 24 hour lift access from the river to St Kilda Rd.
The project has also enabled the Arts Centre to program a broader range of events, develop a more diverse audience and further showcase its important collections through new displays and exhibitions.
ARM’s design complements and enhances existing heritage features of the 30 year old building. It includes a new entrance and retail along the riverfront, new and expanded foyer spaces, better amenities, new stairs, improved disability access, escalators and lifts.
The hall is now also greener, with innovative approaches to sustainability and better waste and water management incorporated into the new design.
The reopening is being marked with a four-day mini-festival of celebrations.
