Theatre on a roll

By Shaun Inguanzo
THE DRUM Theatre’s architects scooped three of eight awards on offer at the 2007 Architectural Excellence in the South East Awards ceremony in Dandenong last week.
The $14 million redeveloped Dandenong Town Hall also hosted the awards night, which was organised by South East Development.
William Ross Architects dominated the night, not only winning Best Building Conservation and the Chairman’s Premier Award for The Drum Theatre, but also Best Building Conversion for The Castle youth music venue, which was formerly Dandenong’s Armytage Hall.
City of Greater Dandenong’s cultural facilities director Paul Streefkerk accepted the award on behalf of William Ross Architects, whose representatives were unable to attend.
Cox Architects and Planners received Best Environmental Building for Chisholm TAFE’s recently-opened Building G complex at the institute’s Stud Road, Dandenong site.
Judges notes for the Chairman’s Award said The Drum was a worthy winner for its potential to be a key part of Dandenong’s revitalisation.
“The Chairman’s Award goes to the Drum Theatre because it is such a powerful contribution to the reclaiming of the civic mission of the city of Dandenong, and such a fine anchor point for future extensions to the urbanity of this important regional centre,” the notes read.
This year’s awards were second-time lucky for The Drum after it was first beaten in the Best Conservation category at last year’s awards by the Wonthaggi Railway Station.
It was also beaten by the Pakenham Y-Zone community centre for Best Building Conversion.
William Ross Architects spokeswoman Virginia Ross at the time described awards ceremonies as ‘lotteries’ and said the architectural firm was not concerned by the loss.