Launceston council votes on millions in closed session
Launceston council adds costly additional works to Albert Hall — having already paid $5 million. It was a decision that one resident demanded answers for.
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A council agreed to pump millions into Launceston’s Albert Hall during a closed session after the mayor dodged public questions on the historic redevelopment.
City of Launceston councillors had voted to approve a further $3.9 million in redevelopment for the Albert Hall, making the announcement after the meeting.
At Thursday’s council meeting a Launceston resident questioned the need to have a closed meeting regarding the Albert Hall redevelopment considering the amount of money the council had already paid towards the project.
Jim Dickinson said the agenda item appeared to be discussing finance and asked mayor Matthew Garwood – “what has gone wrong that the financial position needs to be discussed behind closed doors?”
Mr Garwood was unable to answer the question directly.
“It’s not necessarily to say anything has gone wrong and as this is a closed council agenda item we won’t be able to delve into those facts and figures but there very well could be conversation around extra scope of additional works,” he said.
The agenda item regarding the discussion on Albert Hall stated that it was in closed council to avoid possible commercial advantage or disadvantage.
In 2023, the Albert Hall redevelopment required the council to make up the budget difference of $5 million with the federal government’s $11 million not stretching to cover the extensive renovation.
Albert Hall first opened in 1891, making the building 115 years old.
The project, which first broke ground in 2021, had been delayed due to Covid and increasing building costs.
The $3.9 million, supported by councillors in closed council, will be for additional developments for Albert Hall will include items like audiovisual installations, heating works, signage, security upgrade and roof repairs.
The $16 million development included redevelopment of the Eastern Wing, with a new foyer and reception area as well as a new functional kitchen.
The hall has been closed to performances since January 2022.
The Mercury has asked the council why this project needed to be in closed council.
Originally published as Launceston council votes on millions in closed session
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