What would you do if you had the opportunity to reinvent one of Lithgow's majestic landmark buildings?
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TAFE NSW Interior Design and Decoration graduates spent eight weeks collaboratively working on an intensive commercial decoration project to redecorate the Theatre Royal for commercial viability.
Together they have explored the Theatre Royal's enormous potential as a hub for creative and performing arts, local community events, entertainment, casual and fine dining.
Graduates Jennifer Hughes and Robyn Legge-Wilkinson said they hoped to potentially engage the community and visitors from Sydney on the re-imagining and future use of the theatre.
"We hope to inspire change and find a commercially viable decorative solution to reinvent this iconic performance space," Ms Hughes said.
"It's an opportunity to give something to the community that has meaning in terms of a historic building that has been revived," Ms Legge-Wilkinson said.
In planning for their project the TAFE students visited the Theatre Royal and based their plans on a potential client's brief.
"We know the site is currently for sale and there has been some interest and we very much hope that a new version will be reinvented.
"It would be fantastic if our class student works provide some imagination as to what is possible," Ms Hughes said.
The graduates came up with a contemporary Art Deco facility that engages the community and brings visitors to Lithgow.
"We have created a space that is comfortable, relaxing and luxurious in places. It caters for everyone," Ms Hughes said.
"The project is a true 'Diamond in the Rough'. Our design was inspired by blue, red and green agates and of course diamonds as colour schemes for the rooms. These precious and semi-precious stones are combined with luxurious and quality finishes," Ms Legge-Wilkinson said.
The graduates' proposal includes a theatre restaurant to cater for weddings, balls and special community events, the Brass Room which offers champagne and high teas as well as regular cafe food, the 'Cookatoo' Bar and an onsite florist and gift shop.
Ms Legge-Wilkinson said the reinvented theatre would provide local employment.
"There would be employment for a florist, bar staff, theatre restaurant staff, photographers, event management, sound and lighting specialists and kitchen staff.
"It will also attract people to use hotels and motels in Lithgow and the surrounding communities," she said.
The 'Theatre Royal reimagined' exhibition will be on display at the Gang Gang Gallery from February 7 to 10 and an opportunity to meet the graduates on Saturday, February 8 between 3pm and 6pm. All are welcome.
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