Tim Pallas
Minister for Major Projects
Four builders have been shortlisted to submit tenders for the $128.5 million redevelopment of Hamer Hall, Major Projects Minister Tim Pallas announced today.
Mr Pallas said the shortlist included Baulderstone, Bovis Lend Lease, Abigroup and Brookfield Multiplex and was made from seven construction companies that had submitted expressions of interest for the project.
“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to invest in vital infrastructure that will boost the local economy, create jobs and deliver a world-class arts and culture precinct in the centre of Melbourne,” Mr Pallas said.
“The high level of interest is a significant vote of confidence from the construction industry in this exciting and challenging project. The short-listed companies will now submit detailed proposals for the construction of the project.
“The $128.5 million Hamer Hall redevelopment will require a skilled and innovative builder that can help give this building a new lease of life while maintaining its unique character.
“As well as helping Victoria maintain its reputation as a world-class cultural destination, the Hamer Hall redevelopment will create more than 400 jobs and inject around $373 million into the Victorian economy during construction alone.”
The redevelopment of Hamer Hall will include:
- A spectacular new outlook to the city and new connections to central Melbourne, St Kilda Road and the Yarra River;
- New and expanded foyer spaces, better amenities, new stairs, better disability access, escalators and lifts; and
- Improved acoustics, new auditorium seating, cutting-edge staging systems.
Arts Minister Lynne Kosky said arts and culture was increasingly a major drawcard for Melbourne, attracting international and interstate visitors to the city.
“Melbourne is widely considered Australia’s cultural capital with an extraordinary concentration of arts facilities and Southbank as is its cultural heart,” Ms Kosky said.
“The arts and cultural facilities in and around Southbank attract more than 3.5 million patrons each year and contribute to the identity and liveability of the city.”
The Hamer Hall redevelopment is the first stage of the Southbank Cultural Precinct Redevelopment and will be delivered through an alliance between Arts Victoria, Major Projects Victoria, the Arts Centre, Ashton Raggatt McDougall and the selected building contractor.
Construction on the Hamer Hall redevelopment is due to begin in 2010. |
