NEW ROOF FOR HISTORIC EXHIBITION HALL

One of Brisbane’s most important heritage sites, the Old Museum Building’s Exhibition Hall at Bowen Hills, is to have a new roof.

Public Works Minister Robert Schwarten today announced a Queensland Government contract worth $1.1 million had been awarded to Brisbane builders T.F. Woollam and Son Pty. Ltd for re-roofing and associated works.

Mr Schwarten said the work would help prevent deterioration caused by rainwater finding its way into the Exhibition hall roof.

“The Old Museum Building was built for the Queensland National Agricultural and Industrial Association as an exhibition hall and concert hall in 1891 so it’s vital we continue to preserve this important historical legacy for future generations,” Mr Schwarten said.

“The roofing project takes the Queensland Government’s staged refurbishment of the Old Museum Building an important step further.

“At present the Exhibition Hall is used by community based, non-commercial performing arts groups such as the Queensland Youth Orchestra.

“The ongoing refurbishment of this project will ensure quality cultural facilities for important arts and community groups.”

Works already completed at the Old Museum Building include the interior and exterior refurbishment of the Concert Hall and built-in artwork.

Project Services, a business unit of the Department of Public Works, will project manage the roof replacement.

The re-roofing of the Exhibition Hall is expected to be completed by mid – October 2007.