Wingecarribee Shire Council has appointed Corporate Interior Projects Pty Ltd to deliver the long-awaited refurbishment of the Mittagong Memorial Hall (Mittagong Playhouse).
Construction is set to begin later this year, breathing new life into one of the Southern Highlands’ most significant cultural venues.
The $8.65 million project, jointly funded by Wingecarribee Shire Council and the Australian Government on a 50:50 basis through the Growing Regions Program, will restore the heritage-listed building and upgrade it to meet modern safety, accessibility, and performance standards.
Deputy Mayor, Erin Foley said the refurbishment was an exciting step forward for the region’s arts and cultural community.
“The Mittagong Playhouse is the only Council owned, dedicated theatre in the Southern Highlands and has a proud history of showcasing local talent,” she said.
“Once complete, it will once again become a vibrant cultural hub – a safe, modern, and welcoming venue for performers, audiences, and the wider community to enjoy for decades to come.”
The refurbishment will benefit local theatre groups, young performers, and the wider community. At its peak, the Playhouse is forecast to attract 8,000 visitors each year, generating around $1.5 million in economic activity for the Mittagong Town Centre. The project will also make safe the western wall of the building, allowing six car parking spaces currently blocked off to return to use.
As part of the works, the Berrima District Historical and Family History Society will permanently relocate to the Wingecarribee Civic Centre in Moss Vale, ensuring the safe storage and display of its valuable archives and collections.
Society President Stuart Handley welcomed the move, saying, “We are very grateful for the support Council has shown in providing a permanent home for us at the Civic Centre.
“This relocation will provide welcome opportunities for our Society to continue preserving and sharing the fascinating history of the Southern Highlands through the riches of our highly regarded archives and the talents of our experienced researchers.”
Council General Manager, Lisa Miscamble, acknowledged the role of government partners in securing project funding.
“This project simply wouldn’t be possible without the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program,” Ms Miscamble said.
“I’d like to sincerely thank former Federal Member for Whitlam Stephen Jones, current Federal Member Carol Berry, and State Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan for their ongoing support and advocacy in helping us deliver this once-in-a-generation project for the Mittagong community.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in late 2025 and is expected to take approximately 12 months, subject to planning certification and site conditions.
For more information and project updates, visit:Â Projects -Mittagong Memorial Hall (Mittagong Playhouse)).
