A NEW look Town Hall is on the cards at Launceston after extensive research by an interior designer.

The research into future uses for the hall for the benefit of the community has been carried out by Penny McMillan.

She presented her proposals for better use of the interior space to Launceston Town Council on February 17, and councillors gave it their approval as the basis for the way forward.

The proposals include additional toilets, new disabled access, new drop-in reception area and bar and a ­ re-designed kitchen.

A conservation roof light over the proposed bar area would let in natural light and give views of the clock tower and make it a feature.

Ms McMillan proposed a new mezzanine construction in the Town Hall for projection, lighting, and storage.The mezzanine is essential for the proposed new uses for the hall such as a cinema.

The storeroom would be opened up to create the lounge bar and reception area.

'A CRACKER OF A PLAN'

Members of the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) and LADS (The Launceston Amateur Dramatic Society) were present when a more detailed presentation was made by Ms McMillan to the Town Hall Feasibility Advisory Committee.

She explained that the re-design had been carried out for the benefit of existing functions and new events in the hall, including town council meetings, the Mayor Choosing Ceremony, dinner/dances and concerts.

She had researched the history of the building and its potential for the future; spoken to a lighting expert and environmental health regarding WC provision; and studied the flow of 'traffic' around the hall.

The Deputy Mayor, Cllr Paul O'Brien, who is chairman of the feasibility committee, said his members "unanimously thought this was an absolute cracker of a plan."

At the committee meeting, Mr Fred Parker, of LADS — who regularly put on shows in the building — gave a brief presentation on his plans for the stage area in the Town Hall.

He proposed a new structure to hold the curtains, backdrops and lighting bars. A screen measuring 6 metres by 3.7 metres would be available for projection and 50 per cent of the necesaary funding had been found through SITA, he said.

The council is set to appoint a project manager for the town hall refurbishment.