Wollongong City Council has engaged an expert venue company to manage and operate the Wollongong Town Hall to ensure it is an active and successful community facility.

Administrators tonight approved a tender for Pegasus Venue Management to develop and manage an annual program of high quality performances and cultural events in the Town Hall.

The company will also facilitate the hire of performance and meeting spaces for community, cultural and commercial groups, including making the Town Hall available for significant functions and events such as Anzac Day.

The Town Hall is expected to reopen in March 2011 following a $5.4 million makeover, complete with a new foyer, fire safety upgrades, improvements to access, and upgrades to bathrooms and backstage facilities.

Administrator Richard Colley said earlier this year Council consulted with the community and key stakeholders about the future operation of the Town Hall, and made a decision to outsource management and operation of the building.

“While it’s important for Council to maintain ownership and oversight of the Town Hall, we don’t have the capacity or expertise to develop, deliver and support an annual program of events and performances,” Mr Colley said.

“Council ran a fair and transparent tender process, and Pegasus was not only able to demonstrate value for money, but performed best against all of the selection criteria.”

“The successful tenderer has a strong reputation in managing similar facilities for other local government areas, and is known for partnering with Councils and local companies to provide accessible and successful venues,” Mr Colley said.

“As part of their brief, Pegasus will look after building security, provide technical support to performances and events, and ensure patrons have access to food and drinks. They have already indicated they are partnering with local sub contractors to provide these services, including well known catering group Culinarius.”

“One of Council’s key concerns is making sure the Town Hall is accessible and affordable to the local community, so we will work with Pegasus to make sure this is the case,” Administrator Colley added. 
 
“Council is investing significant funds into refurbishing the Town Hall and we are confident the new provider will breathe new life into the cultural facility.”

Pegasus has won the tender for three years, with an option of an extra three years.