Project status:

Completed

Project: The redevelopment of Gray Community Hall into a contemporary multi-use facility where people can meet, play and socialise.

Cost and funding: $1.83 million and is funded through a partnership between the Australian Government via the Community Development Grants program and the City of Palmerston.

Timeframe: May 2021 to early 2022

Status: Completed. The hall is now fully operational. For bookings and more information please here.

Overview

Located in the heart of Palmerston, Gray Community Hall offers an open space for community members and groups to hire for events and functions. It is Council most frequently hired facility and a much-loved home to a number of community groups. The redeveloped hall includes multiple zones to allow for simultaneous bookings, both indoor and outdoor.

Improvement works:

a main indoor function space
a secondary indoor function space
kitchen facilities
veranda space with high ceiling fans
internal access-compliant toilets
an outdoor toilet accessible to those visiting the community garden
solar PV on roof
smart-controlled irrigation
LED lighting
a higher level of air-conditioning efficiency

Benefits

The previously existing Gray Community Hall building was aging, an upgrade has been planned to create a space that is contemporary, versatile and caters to a wider community audience. The new build will achieve a higher level of value when compared with a renovation of the existing facility.

The final design for the redevelopment included the following additions:

Internal and external CCTV
A larger storage facility for all hall users
Raised power points to assist with accessibility
Hearing augmentation (audio induction loop)
Installation of an accessibility compliant push button sliding door to the all-ability access toilet
Storage facilities
Baby changing facilities
Floating timber flooring, being a ‘like for like’ replacement to the existing floor at the facility

Project updates

August 2022
M&J Builders Pty Ltd won best Commercial/Industrial construction under $5million and best Entertainment and Recreation Facility at the Master Builders Northern Territory awards.

January 2022
The development was completed early 2022 and officially opened by City of Palmerston and the Federal Government on the 31 January. The media announcement can be found here.

May 2022
Demolition commenced late May 2022 by McMahon Services Australia Pty Ltd. Construction commenced in June 2021.

February – May 2021
The construction tender closed 24 February 2021, with Indigenous owned company, M+J Builders formally announced of being award the contract on 5 May 2021.