On Wed 2nd April '25, Club members heard from Richard Nicholson from local construction firm Nicholson Construction, who updated club members on the recent restoration of the historically significant Her Majesty’s Theatre.
Since it first opened its doors in 1875 Her Majesty’s has been continuously used as Ballarat’s home of live performance. Richard’s presentation was highly informative and entertaining. He commenced with the historical details regarding the site location in Lydiard Street and the original owners and purpose. Originally it was known as the Academy of Music.
Richard then discussed the architects involved with the original building and then for its next iteration. Richard told members a little about the previous restorations undertaken which helped to highlight its fascinating history. The theatre has been owned and operated by the City of Ballarat since 1987.
The current renovations started in 2018 and finished in 2024 and were completed in three stages. Works included, rebuilding the stage, repairing and replacing trusses in the roof, rising damp mitigation, interior painting, making the fire escape compliant, remodeling the basement, adding more toilets, increasing accessibility, adding two lifts, updating and upgrading the lobby and much more!
It was really great to know that 20% of the labour was completed by apprentices, meaning that the skills and expertise needed to undertake specialist and historically significant restoration work is maintained into the future.