A HORSHAM project seven years in the making has reached its crescendo.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The new Horsham Town Hall – including a 500-seat theatre, education room, and the redeveloped Horsham Regional Art Gallery – will officially open on Friday.
Plans for a new hall started in March 2009 when Horsham Rural City Council applied to the federal government for money to redevelop the city landmark.
Construction for the new hall started two years ago.
Venue manager Joy Cowie said the opening was the start of an exciting chapter in Horsham’s history.
“It's really exciting we've got to this point and it’s finally up and running,” she said.
“It has been a long process for a lot of people, and it’s quite an achievement.
“It is the biggest infrastructure project council has ever undertaken.
“The staff working here are delighted to be part of what this means for Horsham.”
The opening will include performances from Watjobaluk Dance Group members, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra member Saul Lewis, and Horsham Arts Council’s Stacey Brennan and Brian Harrison.
Ms Cowie said the new hall meant Wimmera people could experience shows and attractions Horsham was unable to offer in the past.
“We can now do all the things we haven’t been able to do here before,” she said.
“We have an amazing program in place for this year.
“This is a community centre for people to come and enjoy and participate in.
“We want people to love it as much as we do.”
The first six shows in the hall’s theatre – starting with Horsham Country Music’s Pleasant Sunday Afternoon on January 31 – sold out.
Ms Cowie said support for the venue was amazing.
“Anyone who has been to theatres around the world will know this is world-class,” she said.
“We told people that's what it would be, and that dream has come to realisation now.
“Staff are run off their feet and we’ve had an amazing uptake of tickets for shows.
“By the time February is over, we will have had about 10,000 people through the venue.
“There is a constant buzz.”