Anita's Theatre On Track For Opening

Illawarra Mercury

Friday March 2, 2007

By KATELIN McINERNEY

THERE will be ringing in the rafters at Anita's Theatre this weekend after Wollongong City Council's decision to grant the venue an interim entertainment licence for the opening night of Wollongong Symphony Orchestra's concert series.

After missing an earlier deadline, developer John Comelli was given until yesterday morning to lodge the required fire safety documents for the Thirroul theatre with the council.

After receiving the information, the council issued a one-off licence for the concerts, tomorrow night and Sunday afternoon.

Manager of development, assessment and compliance John Gilbert said he was happy the issue had been resolved.

"Council has used the application of two separate pieces of legislation to enable the granting of this temporary Place of Public Entertainment licence," Mr Gilbert said.

Mr Comelli was relieved at the outcome and praised the efforts of workers in getting the theatre ready for tomorrow night's opening performance.

"When we got the news I told the painters, who have been working on two hours' sleep, to go home," he said.

"They have put in a sterling effort."