Enhancing Anita's Theatre in Wollongong

In the world of entertainment, venues play a crucial role in supporting the growth and development of local talent. Live Nation Australia Venues Pty Ltd understands this well and has recently taken over operations of Anita's Theatre in Wollongong, NSW. As a company dedicated to promoting live music, Live Nation recognises the importance of maintaining and improving existing venues to ensure they remain relevant and accessible to artists and audiences alike.

Enhancing Anita's Theatre in Wollongong

In the world of entertainment, venues play a crucial role in supporting the growth and development of local talent. Live Nation Australia Venues Pty Ltd understands this well and has recently taken over operations of Anita's Theatre in Wollongong, NSW. As a company dedicated to promoting live music, Live Nation recognises the importance of maintaining and improving existing venues to ensure they remain relevant and accessible to artists and audiences alike.

To achieve this goal, Live Nation has partnered with Programmed and Aegis Value Engineering Pty Ltd to undertake necessary upgrades to the infrastructure of the theatre. One of the key areas of focus has been the awnings, which needed maintenance after years of wear and tear. 

As the building is located within 500 metres of a surf beach, it is situated in a C5-M corrosivity environment, which poses a very high risk of corrosion. The necessary maintenance work on the theatre's awnings was undertaken after the owners approached Programmed Property Services for assistance. The original creamy color of the awnings was maintained to preserve the heritage-listed building's appearance.

"When I was approached to specify a coating solution for Anita's Theatre, I visited the site and noticed evident corrosion and debris build-up on the awnings. It was clear that the awnings required maintenance. I specified a coating system that would protect them from the corrosive environment plus harsh Australian climate to ensure longevity." says Greg Scott.

The application of the coating system involved brush and roller application to ensure the coatings were applied correctly. This application method was selected due to the complex design of the awnings and the need for precision work.

The system used on the existing awnings involved four coats, each with a specific purpose:

•    1st coat: Dulux® Durebild® STE GF, applied at a thickness of 200-microns (µm) DFT - specially designed for steel substrates and provides excellent anti-corrosive protection. 
•    2nd coat: Dulux® Durebild® STE MIO Quickturn, applied at a thickness of 125-microns (µm) DFT - contains micaceous iron oxide (MIO) and provides additional protection against corrosion. 
•    3rd coat: Dulux® Durebild® STE Quickturn, applied at a thickness of 125-microns (µm) DFT - designed to improve adhesion and promote faster drying times. 
•    Finally, the topcoat applied to the awnings was Dulux® Weathermax® HBR, applied at a thickness of 75-microns (µm) DFT - formulated to provide excellent weather resistance and protect against UV radiation. The topcoat, while sheltered from direct UV exposure, was chosen to maintain the original heritage look of this iconic local building.

The renovation of Anita's Theatre is an example of the importance of maintaining and improving existing venues. In a world where new developments and buildings are constantly being constructed, it is easy to overlook the value of older structures. However, these buildings often have a rich history and cultural significance that cannot be replicated. By investing in their upkeep and modernisation, we can preserve these important landmarks and ensure that they continue to serve their communities.


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