Ward 2 councillors David Brown and George Takacs have supported a review of Wollongong Town Hall charges following concerns that the community were being priced out of hiring the facility.

The Wollongong councillors' support was noted earlier this month at a Neighbourhood Forum 5 meeting which adopted a policy that non-profit, volunteer-managed groups not be charged more than a rate sufficient to cover basic costs such as lighting, cleaning and security.

NF5 convener David Winterbottom said there were concerns the town hall was being used as a commercial entity rather than to provide a space for affordable community-run events.

This view was shared by organisers of the Wollongong Schools Choral Festival.

Last year more than 1400 students from 26 primary schools from Helensburgh to Minnamurra performed in the 60th anniversary festival at Wollongong Town Hall.

But a representative of Coniston Public School, which usually sends about 40 students to the festival, raised concerns increased costs could impact the "festival and the children's potential ability to participate".

The school's P&C president Josh Brightman said the town hall by definition is a community meeting place - so in that sense there should be an opportunity to run a community-based event there at a reasonable cost.

"Schools don't want something for nothing, they're happy to pay their way at a reasonable price but the town hall and festival is being treated as a commercial entity when realistically it's a community asset," he said.

"What better way to reach children and families in the Illawarra than to ensure the festival continues for years to come.’’

Mr Brightman said the cost of hiring the town hall was putting the festival in jeopardy.

Merrigong Theatre Company acting chief executive Trevor Ahearn said the non-profit registered charity had reduced the costs for hirers since taking over the management of the town hall from Pegasus.

‘‘Pegasus used to charge $300 for a four-hour session. We charge $295,’’ he said.

‘‘The problem for many hirers is that they used to receive a significant subsidy from council when they ran it. But they no longer receive that subsidy and their out-of-pocket expense has increased but the actual cost of hiring the venue is less.’’

Merrigong had a duty of care to ensure the building was safe and staffed appropriately at all times.

‘‘We make no apologies for that ... all we impose is a minimum of technicians and ushers,’’ Mr Ahearn said.