Description of Venue: Balmoral Mechanics Institute Hall was built in 1888 and has served the community continuously up to the present day as the town’s public hall. Externally it is a simple, single storey red brick construction in the ‘stripped’ classical style of the time. In the 1940's and 50's a generous supper room with large kitchen facilities was added. In 1964, the Balmoral Bowling Club began operating on adjacent land, and a lounge extension was built to enhance the hall’s flexibilty and functionality.
The well maintained hall interior is full of charm and atmosphere. It boasts polished wooden floors, a high pitched ceiling, and a flexible floor space. The proscenium arch stage has full curtains, lighting and sound equipment, and a retractable movie screen.
Types of events which are run/held: Suitable for live music and theatre performances, cinema, arts events, occasional cafe, meetings, bowling club activities, functions, and funerals.
Is the venue able to be booked by the public? Yes
Distance from Melbourne: 340 km
Is the venue open to the public, when and what times? The Hall is open only during public events.
If the venue is available for hire, how do people hire the space? To hire the space please make enquiries to dorothy.ocallaghan@bigpond.com
Floor Dimensions: 7.25m x 15.5m plus stage and back of stage
Seating Capacity: Up to 210 seated in rows, and up to 150 for theatre in the round and live music.
Seating available on-site? 150 upholstered seats, 60 soft seat vinyl chairs
Access: Wheelchair accessible for audience. No independent disabled access to stage or backstage.
Toilets: 5 Internal including disabled, and 4 external.
Kitchen: Fully equipped large kitchen suitable for catering. Fridge, stove, oven, urn, and crockery included.
Stage: 6m x 7.25m (43.5 sq metres) proscenium arch stage with front closing velvet drapes and pivoting masking drapes on each side wing.
Technical equipment: Two lighting bars and stage lighting mounted above stage. Amplifier and dimmer. Fixed speakers either side of stage.
Extra categories: Two backstage dressing rooms with wash basins and mirrors, plus storage. Twelve large trestle tables available.
