The Twyford Theatre committee has said that work is progressing on the building with the hall set to re-open in March in time for the Easter art show and the new theatre to open in July.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
This is later than originally discussed when the committee told Merimbula Jazz Festival representatives that it would be ready in time for the festival in early June.
In a statement Twyford Theatre Inc said work had recommenced on the building site following the Christmas break.
"Up until December, builder Monarch Building Solutions was concentrating on the installation of high level work in the auditorium space for air conditioning, as well as electrical services for power, stage lighting, and audio visual systems," Twyford Theatre Inc said.
"Seating platforms have been erected, along with the theatre stage, which will have a sprung floor. Work in the New Year will initially concentrate on enclosing the Level 1 Foyer facing Market Street, fitout of new dressing rooms and installation of rigging systems over the stage for curtains and screens.
Committee member Frankie J Holden said there had been "no delay as such" adding that building anything is a somewhat fluid process, and expectations can be raised and lowered.
"The timings of the build have been adjusted slightly because as things have progressed, the architects (Michael Marshman and Associates), the builders (Monarch) and Richard Stewart (theatre designer) along with THI have seen opportunities to further improve the design and the capabilities of the theatre, and made some changes," Frankie J said.
READ ALSO: Twyford Theatre dreams come true
However there is a complication in the process due to the land, on which the theatre and Twyford Hall sit, being located across several titles.
Normally this would mean a fire wall is necessary between each boundary but in this case it makes more sense for the titles to be consolidated under one title.
While it has been suggested that it is just a clerical issue and should be straightforward, council, who is the title holder, has flagged that consolidation requires careful consideration and the matter may need to be discussed at a council meeting.
In a statement to ACM, council said it was happy to work with Twyford Hall Inc to resolve any issues regarding fire certification standards.
"We acknowledge the Twyford Theatre occupies several lots of land and we are willing to consider consolidation as an option to keep the project moving forward," council said.
"However, consolidation requires careful consideration due to the significant history into the legal status of this land and the ownership of such."
