MECC provides update on auditorium closure

Those areas have been closed following significant water damage over the Christmas period during heavy storms.

The southern wing of the MECC, including the Convention Centre, is open.

Council’s Community Services Director Janine McKay said the MECC had been awaiting a final report on the damage and remediation works required.

She said that report had now been received and advised it could take eight weeks to complete the necessary works once a contractor was engaged.

“With that information, the MECC is now contacting clients with bookings for those areas in March to work with them on what arrangements can be made.

“During February, some events that had been scheduled for those northern areas of the MECC were moved to the Convention Centre, where possible.

“Anyone with tickets for events in those affected areas during March will be contacted with updates.”

Ms McKay said the good news from the report was the damage was not as bad as first thought.

“However, the logistics of the remediation works, especially the high ceilings in the auditorium and technical equipment, means an extension of the current closure is required,’’ she said.

Council is in discussions with insurers about the damage and the remediation plan. There is no estimate of the costs of the works at this stage.

Foodspace Mackay, which had temporarily relocated to the MECC North Foyer while works are being undertaken at Artspace Mackay, remains closed.