ad

Arts spire fires up

Arts spire fires up

The new years eve celebrations may have looked spectacular, but revellers in and around the Arts Centre got more than they bargained for when a small section of the spire caught fire.

The fire was believed to have been contained to the rogue firework that caused it, although some burning debris fell onto the centre’s roof to cause a small second fire.

The Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) was called to the centre just after midnight and contained the second fire, after the first had burnt itself out.

The Arts Centre was relieved to report that the damage was mostly cosmetic, and that no one had been injured in the incident.

Acting chief executive Tim Brinkman said everyone acted appropriately, given the unique circumstances.

“I would like to commend the MFB and our staff for staying calm under pressure and safely evacuating all visitors and patrons, a task particularly complicated by the large crowd outside Arts Centre Melbourne,” said Mr Brinkman.

In happier news for the Arts Centre the State Government has announced a $11.3 million funding boost for the centre, to ensure it reaches new audiences.

Premier and Minister for the Arts Ted Baillieu said the money was intended to help with the modernisation of Hamer Hall, as well as helping the centre to present even bigger events.

“Big arts performances are part of what makes Melbourne the arts capital of Australia and one of the best arts cities in the world, bringing visitors and jobs and adding to the excitement in our great state,” Mr Baillieu said.

He added that it would enable different types of entertainment for the centre, saying: “This will allow the flexibility to stage performances and events outside the auditorium and throughout the day, extending activity beyond Hamer Hall’s main stage performance program.”

Join our Facebook Group
ad