The Civic Hall was once the pride and joy of Casino, and a major landmark built at an important time in the town’s history, Richmond Valley mayor Robert Mustow said.
Now the interior of the hall has been repainted and restored to its glory.
Next the drab exterior of the 84-year-old Art Deco hall is to get a lift.
Richmond Valley Council engaged Stea Astute Architecture to prepare a 70-page draft masterplan using information from community meetings and public feedback.
The consultant team included architects, a theatre consultant, acoustic consultant, surveyors and structural, mechanical, electrical and hydraulic engineers.
Council general manager Vaughan Macdonald said the masterplan contained a comprehensive list of restoration priorities, and the council now wanted to hear the community’s feedback on the plan.
The draft plan includes modernising the hall’s facilities while restoring the original look and feel of the building as intended when it was opened in 1937, Mr Mcdonald said.
“This includes the restoration of the original Art Deco facade and the construction of a new entrance foyer consistent with the building’s original esthetic, although with modern amenities and safety access points added.”
Several items listed in the master plan have been done.
Funding for the restoration came from $152,000 in 2018 from the Stronger Country Communities Fund to install wall-mounted fans, restore Art Deco lighting, do electrical upgrades, replace the main hall floor and install under-stage flooring.
In 2020, $208,000 from the NSW Government’s Regional Cultural Fund went towards internal painting, stage flooring and buying new chairs.
The community is invited to a public viewing of the draft master plan for the restoration of Casino Civic Hall that will be held at the historic venue on Canterbury St on Thursday, February 25 from 4-6pm.
Historical photos will be on display.
Residents can have a say by making a submission in writing to the council@richmondvalley.new.gov.au or to Locked Bag 10 Casino NSW 2470.
Submissions close at 4pm on Friday March 5.
This article appeared in the Richmond River Independent, 17 February 2021.
