Central Coast Conservatorium: First look at $2m upgrade
Artists impressions reveal the major restoration works already underway at Central Coast Conservatorium. During the works, old police “weekly wanted” lists have been discovered in the roof.
Central Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Wyongah crash drink-driver Marlee Kelley sentenced
- Gosford Regional Library: Council set to lodge DA with NSW Planning
The upgrade of the Central Coast Conservatorium is taking shape, with artist impressions revealing the new-look premises.
The $2m project includes the long-awaited upgrade and restoration of the site at 45 Mann St, Gosford.
Work already completed includes re-roofing of the entire building and restoration of the sandstone cells in the oldest part of the building along with addressing water/mould issues, new skylights, floor coverings and painting.
However, next month is when the major works will start with the rectification of the well-known front sandstone wall and wrought iron fence with specialist sandstone masons,
interior restoration of the old offices and lodging a DA for changes to the existing building including the new foyer entry and awnings, additions at the front of the building and new teaching studios.
The conservatorium’s Claire Braund said they were pleased with the works to date, along with the discovery of historical artefacts in the ceiling cavity including some early 20th century police gazettes.
“The heritage value of this building is significant, so the entire project team is taking much
care to ensure we get it right,” she said.
The conservatorium’s artistic director Patrick Brennan impact on teachers, staff
and the wider conservatorium community would be significant with the addition of new
teaching studios, offices and amenities and restoring and retouching the Robert Knox Hall.
“The Conservatorium is privileged to be the custodian of this building and to know it continues to be used every day by people from across the Central Coast to further musical
education and performance opportunities in our community,” he said.
Central Coast Parliamentary Secretary Adam Crouch paid a visit this week with State Government funding announced for the upgrade last year.
“The current heritage buildings date back to 1847 and this multimillion-dollar upgrade will transform the former courthouse and police station into a twenty-first century space that is fit for purpose,” he said.
“In addition to physical upgrades to the facilities, the $2 million funding commitment from the NSW Government also enables the Conservatorium to masterplan for its bright future.
“Almost all work is being contracted to locals including engineers from Erina, acoustic specialists from Gosford, architects from Toowoon Bay, accessibility consultants from Toowoon Bay, roofers from Tuggerah and builders from West Gosford. This is exactly the sort of COVID-19 stimulus the Central Coast economy needs at this difficult time.”