SHAPE's Tasmanian team are currently completing the exciting redevelopment for the City of Launceston.

SHAPE is currently delivering the redevelopment of the historic Albert Hall in Launceston, aiming to transform this cultural landmark into a contemporary meeting and exhibition space while preserving its iconic heritage.

Once complete, the revamped Albert Hall will feature an updated ground floor with a new reception area, foyer, café, and function kitchen. The first floor will feature a new foyer and meeting room. In addition, the team will upgrade the existing building’s heating, meeting rooms, toilets, lighting and audio-visual capabilities. These improvements will not only modernize the space but will also ensure seamless integration with the surrounding City Park area, enhancing the building’s structural integrity and functionality.

With work currently underway, the new build project is using a two-stage delivery method. Stage one involved Early Contractor Advice (ECA), where the focus was on thoroughly understanding the proposed design, site conditions, and limitations. This stage also emphasized developing construction and risk management strategies, maximizing opportunities for local industry involvement, and ensuring active stakeholder engagement. The success of stage one has laid a solid foundation for the project, setting clear objectives and ensuring a collaborative approach. 

Currently, the project is in stage two, which involves the implementation of the detailed construction plan. Key project objectives will be addressed, such as safe construction delivery, interface management, maintaining the building’s historical interior aspects and ensuring a quality community asset that will support the local region for years to come. 

Structural works are well underway, and the construction of a steel frame is now complete. This will be followed by the installation of exterior cladding, sheeting, roofing, and windows. To enhance the building’s façade, the team will install a layer of structural steel topped with a perforated aluminium screen, blending modern design with the building’s historic charm.

With a projected completion date in the first quarter of 2025, SHAPE continues to collaborate closely with stakeholders and the City of Launceston, ensuring that the redevelopment of Albert Hall not only meets contemporary needs but also preserves its iconic facade.