Most of you will have seen the media coverage over the past few weeks regarding Hayman Theatre. It is apparent from the articles that there is misunderstanding surrounding the reasons why the University made the decision not to use the Theatre for public performances.
As advised in my Note to Staff of 12 April, the University was advised by external fire safety consultants that the Theatre did not meet the fire safety standards for public performance venues. The University did not consider it had any choice but to discontinue the use of the Theatre for public performances considering the risk to students, staff and the public in case of fire. This was the only reason the University chose this course of action.
The productions planned for this year have been relocated to other venues in the metropolitan area to enable them to continue.
The estimated cost to upgrade the Theatre to meet the relevant fire safety standards for public performance venues is approximately $1.2m and the University is currently considering whether to proceed with this expenditure.
It should be noted that if the University chooses to proceed with the upgrade, the work will not be completed before late 2007. Hayman productions in 2007 will therefore still need to be held in alternate venues during this time.
I will continue to provide regular updates to staff on this matter.