Building Progress

March 2011

Much has been achieved at The Substation over the last 12 months, as we move from being an infrastrucutre project towards being a fully-fledged arts facility & organisation.

Whilst there are still some major building works to be undertaken (namely the installation of a hydronic heating system throughout the building), we hope to have finished this phase of the organisation's life by June this year.

Key achievements over the last 12 months included:

• the refurbishment of The Substation Gallery, including cladding of the gallery walls, expanding the mezzanine exhibition spaces, and installing a professional hanging system
• the creation of a new space - the Community Access Gallery to ensure that local artists and community groups have access to high profile, low cost exhibiting opportunties
• The installation of theatrical rigging, lighting, sound and drapery systems in the Performance Space creating the premier performance venue in Melbourne's western suburbs
• the installation of our Reception desk and improvements to the foyer area

This work has put the finishing touches on a spectacular new community arts facility, which is unlike any other venue in Melbourne.

The Substation acknowledges the tireless efforts of its building team, casual workers and volunteers whose efforts have made this possible.

March-April 2009

The lift was opened on 26 March by Wade Noonan MP - Member for Williamstown and Angela Altair - Deputy Mayor of Hobsons Bay City Council.

It was a wonderful morning tea with representatives and participants of many organisations that supported our successful grant in attendance. Everyone enjoyed riding in the lift and the art exhibition.

The lift was made possible by a Community Support Fund Grant through the Department of Planning and Community Development.

Other major achievements over the last month include:

• Café doors installed
• Multipurpose room doors glazed
• Level 4 toilets progressing
• Fire hydrant service being connected
• Fire detection system being installed

Wade Noonan MP opens the lift - March
(photo Chris Ransom)

February 2009

All those fortunate enough to have attended The Substation opening in November, or the exhibitions held in December, will have seen the tremendous progress achieved by our builder, Sandy Richardson, over the last few months.

The major achievements have been the installation of the main performance floor, the new corridor floor outside the café, and the multipurpose room above the performance floor. With the stairs to all these areas now complete and fitted with glazed balustrades, the exciting potential of The Substation is fully revealed.  With the multipurpose room glass curtain wall completed, the view down into the performance floor is breathtaking!

The other significant step forward is the lift, which is now nearing completion. With its glazed side wall, it not only fulfils an important function, but also adds to the aesthetic experience of a Substation visit.

Other items completed that are not necessarily obvious to the visitor, but nevertheless important to the function of the Substation, include:

• Fire hose services installed
• Glazed doors to the performance floor installed
• Toilets on Level 3 complete and functioning
• Performance floor change rooms
• Cleaners cupboard, disabled toilet and kitchenette on Level 2
• Emergency and exit lighting in foyer and on Level 3

Now that a lot of the major construction work is nearing completion, we are focusing on the design of some of the important services, including:

• Architectural and exhibition lighting
  We have some exciting design proposals from respected lighting suppliers, but need to “de-tune” these to meet our significant budget restrictions. Main gallery and corridor lighting will be sensor activated to reduce energy costs.
• Heating, cooling and ventilation
  We have a novel design for a ventilation system that will utilise the extensive masonry “tunnels” under the lower floor to provide cool air and duct it up into the upper floors. If anyone has been down to this level during the last heat wave and felt the cool breeze from under the floor, you will have seen how effective this could be.
• Stage lighting system design
  We have engaged a few people experienced in this area to help us with a proposal for the stage lighting system, and will be finalising the design over the next few weeks to enable us to apply for a special grant available for this purpose.

Come along to an upcoming event to see the results of a dedicated builder and a tremendous team effort!

Darren Williams (President of the Hobsons Bay<


-l�͝�Z��%�Kn�����ϯ<�m Mambourin Services in Altona and Wade Noonan MP celebrate the opening of the lift (photo Chris Ransom)

Installing glass in the entrance stair-case