Page 2903 - Week 07 - Thursday, 7 June 2012
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the Fitters Workshop is definitely unique among its group of spaces, most notably its reverberation time, and this is the reason it ranks poorly overall. I have other conclusions to go through, but this is one:
In its empty state it is initially a curiosity, and it is acoustically problematic, especially for speech. With at least chairs and audience present it is highly suited to slower, ambient, and sparsely instrumented forms of music.
So it is hardly the gem that suits all music forms without hesitation. Mrs Dunne also talked about multi-use space, but let us be clear: Megalo’s answer, when asked if they would be accepting or welcoming of a purpose-built building, was very clearly no. Aside from a number of submissions which made reference to using it as a multi-use space, there has certainly been no evidence of the need for a multi-use space, given that, as we know, the Albert Hall is extremely underutilised. I find quite offensive the way Mrs Dunne has described access to the hall and the processes that seem fair and reasonable. I doubt if anyone has signed anything in blood, which is what she is asking or implying that we do.
She made mention of the annex and putting a hole in the wall, saying that this would destroy this gem absolutely. To meet some of the OH&S and other refurbishment requirements for this as a space, in the acoustics report one of the consultants said, “Let’s pop a hole in the wall for more doors for access.” There is a hole going in the door, Mrs Dunne, even by those that you are trying to use. There is no doubt that Fitters is a wonderful building. There is no doubt that we are, as we have said on many occasions, looking to create Kingston as an absolute destination point and an arts precinct. One of the ways to do that is by creating a hub of anchor tenants, those of national and international renown, and Megalo is that. An empty building waiting for someone to hire on occasion is not a good anchor tenant.
Indeed, just recently I received a letter from the Glassworks writing to voice Canberra Glassworks’ strong view that it is in the best interests of everybody in the Kingston arts precinct to proceed with great haste and that the Canberra Glassworks would welcome Megalo print studio as a neighbour. The letter states, “We look forward to the rapid finalisation and implementation of the plan and an exciting opportunity for the precinct with Megalo there as an anchor tenant.”
We also had a number of items of correspondence and I will read some of them. This is the first: “I was very pleased when it was announced that Megalo would move their workshops and exhibition space into the Fitters Workshop. The site of the building would be ideal for the physical needs and public exposure. The nature of printing is a technical craft as well as fine art and Megalo’s architectural plans are totally in keeping with the industrial heritage of the building. It would add to the building’s history in a natural companion to the glassworks. I was shocked when I heard that another group felt that their need for the limited use was greater. On reading about the necessary building requirements and the impracticalities of a shared exhibition space, I am surprised that this is even being considered.”
This is another: “Once again, congratulations on your decision to support this truly excellent art organisation, and, with it, the people of the ACT.” There is more: “Thank
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