Questions from Lynton Brown
1. What are the maximum dimensions the stage can be if set up at the storage end of the room.
The width of the stage is 6 metres. The space from the back wall to the doors is 2.85m, but the stage can be any depth desired. HRCC is currently investigating the purchase of portable staging up to around 4.8m in depth and with an adjustable height of 600mm or 800mm.
2. What is the maximum height that a stage could be if lighting truss needs to be used. eg. band, display.
HRCC is investigating the purchase of portable staging, which would be adjustable to either 600mm or 800mm height which would leave 3.9m at 600mm high or 3.7m at 800mm high between the stage floor and the ceiling.
3. Will a stage be available on site or do users have to supply.
A stage will be available on site.
4. If supplied by the venue then what size will it be.
HRCC is currently investigating the purchase of portable staging up to around 4.8m in depth with an adjustable height of either 600mm or 800mm.
5. Can the user bring own stage for flat floor area?
Yes.
6. If the storage area is opened to allow for a stage to fit back in the opening will the public in the flat floor area see scuff marks and dents in the walls where tables and chairs have been stored. If not all tables and chairs are used where would they be stored if still requiring the storage area to be open for a stage or display area.
There will be a curtain at the back and sides of the stage. If not used, tables and chairs can be stored in other rooms, such as the Green Room, during a function.
7. What type of PA will be standard setup for the room and will speakers be placed throughout the area.
Actual equipment specifications have not yet been decided. HRCC is working with its theatre consultants to determine the most suitable system. Hirers will be able to bring in their own sound equipment if they do not wish to use that provided by the venue.
8. Will new tables and chairs be used or existing town hall items
HRCC is currently investigating furnishing options for the function room.
9. Will the airconditioning be able to still work if the foyer is opened up on a 40 degree summer day or a cold winter night.
The foyer has its own dedicated airconditioning (heating and cooling) system, as does the function room. The double-glazed windows on the east side of the foyer, which also have a large eaves, will provide insulation against extremes of heat and cold.
10. Will the public be able to see and hear any better in the new flat floor area and foyer if opened up compared to the existing Hall.
Yes. The acoustics will be significantly improved as the room is being designed specifically with acoustics in mind. Sight-lines in every flat floor venue will be comparable due to the nature of the flat floor.
11. Will any of the existing equipment be used from current Kitchen for the new Kitchen.
We do not plan to use the current kitchen equipment in the new building.
12. If a function is on in the Auditorium will tables and chairs still be able to be used in the foyer in conjunction with a function in the flat floor area. eg. Wedding.
Every effort would be made by Venue Management to ensure this situation did not occur, especially in the case of a wedding. However, if such a situation were to arise, the dual entry of the venue would be used to allow for separate entry for the function room and the auditorium. There is approximately 16 metres of clear foyer space between the function room/foyer extension and the closest auditorium entry.
13. What size will the video screen be. Will it be broadcast in HD from the Auditorium. How many cameras will be used for the Auditorium.
There will be one fixed camera in the Auditorium with provision for others to be brought in as required. As actual equipment specifications are still being decided, we are unable to confirm HD broadcast capability. There will be one large fixed video screen in function room, the exact size of which is yet to be determined.
Question from Natasha Eilola
As most groups currently hiring the Town Hall don't use the space under the balcony due to visibility and acoustic issues the usable and actual used floor space is smaller than its total available space. How does the Council proposed flat floor space compare to the amount of floor space that actually gets used in the current Town Hall?
The amount of flat floor space in the current Town Hall that is not under the balcony is approximately 300m2. The amount of flat floor space in the new function room is 336m2. Following Council's accepting the proposal to increase the floor space by 4 lineal metres the flat floor is 395sqm.