AN upgrade of the Albury Entertainment Centre theatre wing’s air conditioning and heating systems will begin early in the new year without any disruption to its 2019 season of performances.
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Albury Council recently accepted a tender from Red Airconditioning for the works valued at $880,550.
One of the key stipulations of the works was the need for it to be carried out between January and April.
The AEC released its 2019 season line-up last week with the first of seven major shows – Namatjira Project – being held in March.
The council unsuccessfully tried to simultaneously carry out the heating and cooling upgrade and stage area improvements earlier this year, but could not attract a conforming tender, despite the budget for the combined works being valued at more than $1 million.
The stage was upgraded earlier this year at a cost of about $200,000 and Red Airconditioning secured the job ahead of two other more expensive bids.
It has carried out similar projects at Murray Art Museum Albury, Mann Central shopping centre and Albury hospital, including the catheter laboratory.
The present system servicing the main auditorium is costly to run and has struggled to provide an appropriate level of comfort for patrons and performers during temperature extremes.
The situation has impacted on its ability to host high profile performers and events.
An earlier proposal for a pedestrian bridge link between the convention wing and theatre was dumped.
The success of a state government funding application for $5 million for the project submitted in September has not been revealed.
A total rebuild of the convention wing built in the early 1970s was estimated to cost $34.1 million.
Other highlights of the AEC Season 2019 include Toni Childs, The Three Chinese Tenors and the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra.
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