It will soon look like a premier performing arts centre, ready to showcase live music and theatrical productions.

Lismore’s City Hall – home to Northern Rivers performing Arts (NORPA) - is undergoing a transformation, complete with digital illumination. 

A large LED digital sign will soon be added to the corner of Molesworth and Bounty Street establishing the Lismore City Hall precinct as a prominent gateway to Lismore and the CBD. 

The upgrade to the building heralds a new era for NORPA, and NORPA’s artistic director Julian Louis said “we can’t wait to open the doors to our community in Lismore and beyond, when we are able to do so legally and safely”.

“The upgrade is a turning point for NORPA and the community,” Julian said. 

Julian said the upgrade was funded by a $1.16 million dollar grant from the NSW Government’s Regional Cultural Fund.

The money covered the upgrade of the audio and lighting equipment, along with outside signage and illumination at Lismore City Hall to elevate the venue to the standard of contemporary performing arts venues.

"The upgrade increases the profile of Lismore City Hall and awareness of the cultural activities that happen in and around the building,” Julian said. 

“The hall and NORPA are crucial to the nightlife and night-time economy of Lismore.

“Local businesses know when there’s a show on because there are more people around and they are busier.

“We’re looking to expand this even further with our live music program which will include showcasing local talent at our new Courtyard Bar and regular band and cabaret nights in the Studio. 

“We will continue to build on our relationship with Kate Stroud, formerly of the Dusty Attic live music venue, in making Lismore City Hall a space for our music loving community to come together."

Venue and Events Manager Jumana Schriefer is excited to get the lights back on.

“Lismore City Hall has gained recognition amongst national and international promoters and touring companies as a premiere venue to include on their national tours,” Jumana said.

“We’re actively talking with the industry during the lockdown as touring is expected to increase dramatically once restrictions are lifted.”

Production Manager Karl Johnson, who has worked at NORPA for 20 years, said the upgrades will significantly reduce electricity consumption and the costs of maintenance, equipment hire and labour. 

“It also provides opportunities for established technicians and young people in the region interested in technical production,” he said.

Ben Franklin MLC was delighted to see the outcome of almost two years of work. 

“The refurbishment of Lismore City Hall is one of the most exciting things to happen in the cultural space in the Northern Rivers in the last decade," he said. "I hope once the pandemic is over the community will get behind it.“

Julian Louis is looking forward to gathering the community together to mark the reopening of an important cultural and community asset for Lismore.

“When the time is right, we’ll invite the community to come together and celebrate Lismore City Hall,” he said.

“It holds a special place in our hearts and history as a meeting place for our community for some 55 years.

“There is great pride and responsibility in managing and carrying this tradition for our town.”

For information about NORPA, visit http://www.norpa.org.au