Narooma’s new Art Deco style toilets, officially opened last Wednesday, now make the Kinema’s downstairs toilets the most stylish on the coast.
‘Checking out the loos could become almost as big an attraction as the movie, and will be appreciated by everyone for many years to come,’ School of Arts committee spokesman Laurelle Pacey said at the opening.
The new loos were officially opened by committee member Mina Watt who then led an inspection downstairs.
Above: Narooma School of Arts committee members and H & A Builders celebrate the opening of the new Kinema toilets and renovated hallway downstairs with other SOA members. Shown are Mina Watt, Joy Macfarlane, Anne McCusker, Ingeborg Baker, Marg Ingamells, John Doyle, Harvey Shears, Bob Aston, Jenni Bourke, Kane Ayres and Laurelle Pacey.
Ms Pacey said management and maintenance of the School of Arts’ assets, including the Memorial Hall which houses the Kinema, is the responsibility of the Narooma community through the School of Arts and its management committee. The committee leases the Hall to John and Janette Griffiths.
The new downstairs toilets and the installation of early smoke and fire detections system are the two latest stages in the committee’s seven-stage project to enhance the 90-year-old Memorial Hall which houses the Kinema.
‘The toilet and downstairs hall project has been a real team effort,’ she said.
‘Our design team of Stephanie Simko and Jenni Bourke has evoked the Art Deco and picture palace era. We’ve also incorporated light fittings that originally hung in the main auditorium but been in storage for many years.
Above: A delighted Harvey Shears of H & A Builders, Jenni Bourke and Joy Macfarlane celebrate the School of Arts’ achievement in building such stylish new toilets at the Kinema.
‘A huge thank you to Harvey Shears of H & A Builders and his team who took on the task to make our vision a reality. His team includes contractors Narooma Plumbing Services, Narooma Electrics and tiler Shannon Van Ort who meticulously followed Steph and Jen’s design.
‘We also want to thank Swan Plumbing Supplies who have been so helpful and supportive, Eurobodalla Tiling, Homeflair Carpets and Blinds, Chris Young’s Joinery and Narooma Glass.’
This year the committee’s grant writing team secured four government grants for different elements of the Hall project.
‘These will enable the School of Arts to complete the Hall Project in 2017, with the work timed to minimise disruption to Kinema operations,’ Ms Pacey said.
‘There will still be a funding shortfall but, with Kinema Kate’s help, making up that shortfall will not be onerous.’
Work previously completed as part of the Hall Project was the resheeting and insulation of the roof and installation of solar panels.
The remaining work includes construction of a wrap-around awning to the back of the disabled toilet providing more undercover area for patrons, improving facilities for live theatre, repair and repainting of the hall’s exterior, and restoring the granite plaques on the front façade.
