Merrigong Theatre Company will officially take over management of Wollongong Town Hall from June 1, allowing the council to cut costs and make the venue more efficient.
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Wollongong City Council officially signed a partnership with Merrigong – also known as IPAC Limited – this week, after councillors voted to allow the theatre company, which runs the performing arts centre, to also manage the town hall for the next three years.
Since its $5.4 million upgrade in 2010, the town hall has been run by Sydney company Pegasus.
However, in December last year, the firm was told its contract would not be renewed past May 31.
The council’s community, cultural and economic development manager Tanya Buchanan said this agreement would deliver a more cost-effective management model for the town hall.
‘‘Centralising management of both town hall and the IPAC will allow for operational savings, as well as allowing greater co-ordination between the two venues to support the growth of cultural and community events in the arts precinct,’’ she said.
The council has assured patrons there will be no disruption to bookings or events during the management transition period.