By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
STAGE one of the refurbishment of Geelong’s iconic Palais is well under way, with plans developed for a 1200-seat function space next door.
Tradesmen were putting the finishing touches to the first stage this week, to be unveiled in a grand opening on 28 February.
General manager Michael Tripolino said his family’s vision of a new space for Geelong’s art and entertainment community was coming to fruition.
“The Tripolino family bought the Palais in 1997 and maintaining an old building is costly and time consuming but a lot of work has been done over the years,” he said.
“We bought the two adjoining blocks and now have developed plans for the new building next to the Palais, housing music, dance, theatre, cinema, café and function centre.”
Mr Tripolino said the new development, to retain the Palais’ popular bingo function, raising funds for Geelong Amateur Arts Fund (GAAF), would also have a 139-space underground car park.
A memorandum of understanding between GAAF and the Victorian College of the Arts would bring various performers and workshops to Geelong, he said.
“We hope to feature international acts as well but we want to retain access for community arts groups through assistance from the GAAF.”
Mr Triplolino said both the historic section of the Palais and its new addition could be used independently or combined for large events.
He said the original projection screen had been uncovered but further work was needed to enable use of the former projection room.
Some works were being held up until power lines immediately outside the venue could be replaced underground, he said.
