The Yass Soldiers’ Memorial Hall is set for some TLC after a recent report identified several maintenance works required to ensure it was safe to operate.
Established between 1922 and 1923 the Hall is feeling the wear and tear of age as its 100th birthday approaches.
Director of Infrastructure and Assets James Dugdell said the key findings of the Dilapidation Report concluded that the Hall required significant roof repairs, repairs to the subfloor and upgrades of the amenities due to the age of the building.
The report also identified that there were several compliance issues relating to fire safety, electrical safety and hazardous material that needed to be addressed.
“Council has identified that the Memorial Hall requires work to bring the building up to the required minimum standard for continued operation as highlighted in the Dilapidation Report,” James said.
“This work will be prioritised to ensure that the Hall can continue to be used for its current purposes.”
Due to the community significance of the Memorial Hall, James said Council had identified several upgrades to make the Hall more functional in the future.
This will include upgrades to the stage, lighting, and sound system. Along with improvements in heating and cooling, the kitchen, and upgrades to the meeting rooms and offices.
“Council also proposes to make the facility more accessible by the addition of a lift and improved stair access,” he said.
James said all this work will be sympathetic to the memorial area and the heritage value of the Hall.
They will seek to fund the works needed to bring the hall up to a modern standard primarily through grant funding. Council has recently received a grant of $10,000 for maintenance works on the Memorial section of the Hall.
Council is also applying for the Cultural Capital Grant which has an Expression of Interest period closing this Wednesday, November 17 but they will seek additional grants as they become available to complete the works.
By Brianna O’Rourke
