The Township of Brock will be holding a public meeting to discuss a possible $20,000+ Sunderland Town Hall Theatre Stage Extension at the Sunderland Town Hall.
The Sunderland Youth Theatre Group is proposing a permanent stage extension in the auditorium of the Sunderland Town Hall, said a township notice.
The theatre group has indicated that they are committed to the full cost of funding the structural assessment for this proposed extension with the anticipated cost of $20,000.
Phase one pricing has been supplied at $3,800 plus HST. Phase two pricing has been supplied at an upset limit of $6,000. Any items that fall outside of the scope of work indicated would be at a per diem rate of $200/hr.
These costs outlined do not include any construction costs and are only consultant costing to investigate the proposal.
Portable Staging Option
An alternative option of portable staging from a manufacturer who designs, builds and supplies this type of product for similar uses in professional productions as well as trade shows and similar events has been investigated. A portable stage extension with dimensions of 36’ x 6’ x 32” including risers, steps, platforms, skirts and storage carts has been quoted at $24,217.40 plus HST
The Sunderland Town Hall was constructed in 1906 and contains an auditorium on the second floor. This space is used for many purposes including the annual Lions Club Music Festival, Youth Theatre production, township fitness classes, Maple Syrup Festival for vendors, rentals for family functions, Christmas parties and concerts.
The theater group has approached the Director Parks, Recreation and Facilities with a proposal to install a permanent stage extension to eliminate the need for the current temporary stage extension to be moved from storage, installed and returned to storage with the assistance of the Sunderland Lions Club. The current stage extension is constructed of wood and is very heavy and cumbersome to move in and out of the building.
Design Details
Due to the building being a public assembly occupancy any of the proposed work would require an architect and an engineer to review and design the proposed extension to ensure the building is able to properly support the additional load and to keep the historical ambience of the auditorium.
The proposed changes include removal of the existing front of stage area which previously contained the in-stage lighting. This lighting has been removed several years ago and has been covered with hardwood to closely match the existing stage wood floor.
Larkin Architects who provided the design for the Rose Window and the replacement doors as well as the building condition assessment at the Sunderland Town Hall were contacted to get pricing. They also reached out to an engineering firm to provide pricing.
The proposal is to extend the stage outwards a total of 6’ and across the front of stage 37’. This would increase the stage area by 222 square feet. By extending the stage there will be reduced seating capacity on the main floor and it has been noted by some users that this would also limit the sightlines of the balcony.
Temporary Lightweight Stage Risers
A temporary lightweight stage risers are a possible solution as they can be installed relatively easily, stored on site as they typically breakdown for storage and can be configured in several different ways that could allow for options to suit the needs of the theater group. This could also be used in other locations if necessary for other events including council inaugurations, Public meetings where a panel could be placed higher than floor level to allow the panel to be more easily seen.
This would allow the theatre group the space and flexibility that may be beneficial to their needs while maintaining the current stage in its present condition. This would also maintain the occupancy load of the auditorium for other events.
The cost from Larkin Architect was provided at approximately $1,200. This would ensure the criteria for the conservation of historic places in Canada and assess any implications for fire safety and egress including one site visit.
Engineering Costs
The cost for the engineer was broken down into two phases. Phase one would include an initial site visit to view and measure the existing floor structure, review design intent, load analysis of existing structure including joist span and beam construction, preliminary design review based on findings and a sealed report.
Phase two would include preparation of schematic design sketches including reinforcement of existing structures where required.
Phase one pricing has been supplied at $3,800 plus HST. Phase two pricing has been supplied at an upset limit of $6,000. Any items that fall outside of the scope of work indicated would be at a per diem rate of $200/hr.
No Township Contribution
The township has not budgeted for this project and will not be contributing any funding to this project as its will be funded by community partners. The township will undertake the work required and will be reimbursed for costs. Council has directed staff to work with the Sunderland Youth Theatre Group to have an undertaking signed that will outline financial commitment to this project (should this project advance).
This proposal would change the auditorium permanently. This change may affect other renters and users in a manner that is currently unknown.
Council Decision
At the end of the meeting, council endorsed the proposal of the stage extension, in principle, with the costs for the architect and engineering reviews, to be funded by the Sunderland Youth Theatre Group.
They also directed staff to engage with all regular users of the Sunderland Town Hall based on previous rentals from the past two years and engage in a public survey on this proposal.
Council also directed staff to investigate the options of a permanent stage extension as well as portable staging in consultation with the engineering firm to ensure the building can safely manage the proposed installation, and report back to them with their findings.
A public meeting will be held for discussion of a proposed Sunderland Town Hall Theatre Stage Extension at the Sunderland Town Hall located at 1202 River Street in Sunderland on May 28 from 1-6 pm.
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