Hamer Hall

Roy Ground’s 1982 Hamer Hall (Melbourne), glittering gold mixing it with rough aggregate, is about to get an update. Apparently the Arts Centre is not facing the right way. Sturt Street and Southgate aren’t getting enough attention. So the Black Box will move, and from the looks of the sketch above ( FJMT ?), the award-winning EQ restaurant (by NMBW ) will disappear too. According to Premier Brumby the changes will, “bring the arts closer to the people and the people closer to the arts.” The centre will close in 2010 for its $128.5M renovations. The gaudy but beautiful interiors may be stripped and refashioned into something a little less flamboyant – the Premier talks about “new and expanded foyer spaces”. I hope they are careful – Hamer Hall has some heritage protection so it could be a battle.

The Age 09.09.08
Interior shot at Flickr
The Oz 06.09.08

Posted by Peter on 10.09.08 in buildings