THE installation of new audience seats in the Handbury Auditorium at the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre marks the completion of a $150,000 facelift to the 150-year-old space.

The Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) has also replaced the carpet to improve sound, installed new lighting and has painted the walls a theatrical dark blue.

Mayor David Robertson said the project was funded by a Creative Neighbourhood Infrastructure Support Program grant from Creative Victoria.

“The historic, former town hall has been regularly used by the Hamilton community for generations,” he said.

“As it’s now also a major regional venue for touring events, it was important that we upgraded the facilities to improve the experience for the different types of audiences that visit us every week.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to the local businesses that assisted Council with this renovation during the past couple of months and finishing in time for the launch of the Hamilton Eisteddfod.”

A total of 452 seats have been installed at the auditorium, with the new seating layout bringing accessibility up to Australian standards and there are now 11 wheelchair spaces and twice as many aisle seats.

Council said it rehomed more than half the old seats with local schools, sporting clubs, businesses, and private residents and recycled the rest.

For a schedule of events coming up at the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, please collect a program from the box office, or visit hamiltonpac.com.au