Upgrade of concert and theatre space in former Masonic Lodge Room

Refurbishment to former Lodge Room (Bendigo Bank Theatre)

Project Manager for City of Greater Bendigo: Don Goldsworthy

Project brief, concept design and project co-ordination: Rob Sowinski

Architect: Streames and Associates

Consultants: Acoustic- ARUP Acoustics. Mechanical/Electrical - BRT Consulting. Structural- Osborne Consulting Group. Theatre Technical- Entertech P/L. Geotechnical Surveyor AS James P/L

Building Contractor- Morey and Hurford

Budget: In the order of $120K

Design Brief

The former grand lodge room of the Golden and Corinthian Masonic Lodge, the room and building are significant in a national context and alterations to the fabric of the building are subject to approval by Heritage Victoria.

The former Lodge Room was refurbished for function use c1987 during the conversion of the entire Masonic complex to a Performing Arts Centre. While intended to be a secondary theatre space to the Capital Theatre upstairs, the room had a number of significant design and safety constraints that hampered use for theatre and concerts. In addition, heavy use over a period of some 15 years made refurbishment desirable for both commercial function and theatrical clients. Significant works were required to bring this room up to standard for theatrical presentations, commercial events and weddings. New lighting, paintwork, carpet, stages, hanging system and backstage and service areas were required within the parameters of the heritage act.