Horsham Town Hall and Regional Art Gallery

Horsham Rural City Council
Horsham VIC, in Wotjobaluk, Wergaia, Jupagulk, Jaadwa and Jadawadjali country
2016
$17m contract value

After completion of the Horsham Cultural Facilities Review in 2009, WRA was appointed as architect for the Horsham Town Hall and Regional Art Gallery Redevelopment. 

The project brings together three streams of the community’s cultural facilities including an upgrade to the existing art deco art gallery, restoration of the existing Town Hall auditorium, stage-house and foyer spaces, as well as the construction of a new 500 seat proscenium theatre.

The new complex provides a cultural precinct with the visual and performing arts facilities linked by a linear foyer from street to street.

Following registration of the existing Town Hall auditorium and ancillary spaces by Heritage Victoria, the project brief evolved to include restoration of these areas to accommodate flat floor functions and performances, together with the provision of a new dedicated raked seat proscenium style performing arts theatre with shared and integrated facilities.  

The layout enables both venues to be operated concurrently or the one to be used as overflow backstage accommodation for large events in the other. A centrally located kitchen and bar serve either venue or the foyer to host community events.

Environmentally sustainable design features include a highly insulated building envelope, specific energy efficient plant systems, low carbon footprint, and low embodied energy material selection.

Photos: Kane Jarrod