By Cameron Weston
THE Williamstown Mechanics Institute, one of the most treasured historic buildings in Hobsons Bay, will host its first theatrical production in more than four years after extensive renovations.
Hobsons Bay director of planning and environment Eric Braslis said the renovation, which still has some way to go, has been an on-going labour of love for the council and community alike.
He said the improved building would offer a valuable new performance space to the arts community in Hobsons Bay.
Community and user groups were consulted during the design phase, including the WMTC, the Williamstown Historical Society and Williamstown Film Society.
Mr Braslis said heritage issues were carefully considered during the refurbishment, with parts of the building dating back to the 1850s.
Designer David Bick, a heritage architect appointed by council, said he “tried to retain the essence of the original building” in the new design.
Part of the restoration, funded by a $35,000 Heritage Victoria Grant, involved painstakingly uncovering and reinstating detailed stencilling in the main hall.
Renovation experts Mulholland carried out the work. That company restored the interior of the historic Melbourne Exhibition Building.
Refurbishment is a priority in the preservation of the Mechanics’ Institute with a heritage building of this type needing constant work.
The original hall seats 200 and will be the main performance space in the building.
Mr Braslis said mechanics institutes were originally conceived and designed as places of learning, forerunners of today’s libraries.
The project cost approximately $800,000 and there is more work to be completed.
Major structural repairs like underpinning and kitchen improvements cost about $350,000, while a new backstage area and Historical Society workroom cost an estimated $450,000.
