Murray Conservatorium of music upgrade completed
A $2 million NSW Government upgrade of the Murray Conservatorium of Music building in Albury has been completed.
Crown Lands in the Department of Planning and Environment engaged NSW Public Works to undertake a range of priority repairs, maintenance and upgrades on the landmark building.
Crown Lands Executive Director of Land and Asset Management Greg Sullivan said the investment in the Crown land site has preserved a local heritage significant building from the Victorian era and provided a secure home for the not-for-profit Murray Conservatorium of Music.
“The Murray Conservatorium of Music building is a heritage and architectural icon for Albury and this $2 million investment will protect it for future generations to use and enjoy as well as make the building more accessible for people in wheelchairs or with other mobility issues.
“The conservatorium has been teaching music to thousands of regional students and residents for 40 years, and this cultural tradition can continue for years to come,” Mr Sullivan said.
The building, which is located in Albury’s Dean Street Heritage Conservation Area, was originally built in the 1880s housing the electric telephone exchange and Telegraph Office, then later a Trades School and Technical College, with the conservatorium moving in 1983.
Upgrade work on the building has included installation of a new roof, guttering and downpipes, stormwater systems, remediation of penetrating damp, internal and external lighting, building electrical upgrades, cement mortar repairs, and exterior and internal painting.
Further upgrades have included new reverse cycle air conditioning, refurbished male and female bathrooms with improved accessibility for people with a disability, and improved ramped access at the entrance and rear of the conservatorium for people with a disability.
Murray Conservatorium of Music Operations Manager Margot Lennard said the upgraded building was attracting admiring comments from locals and visitors.
“The upgrades have made a huge difference including new roof and bathrooms, the ramp access front and rear, new heating and cooling systems and also the new heritage paint job which has really lifted the building,” Ms Lennard said.
“We have about 450 students studying music and we cater for all ages, from early childhood through to adult and covering string, percussion, keyboard, brass and wind instruments and ensembles.”
