Show can’t go on for Playlovers at Hackett Hall

Community groups that used the hall were told in September by the City of Nedlands to vacate the premises after an independent inspection of the structure found it to be unsafe.

The theatre group was able to find alternative locations for two productions that were being rehearsed but its belongings, including costumes, props, sets and lights, are still in Hackett Hall.

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City of Nedlands chief executive Greg Trevaskis said it could not allow people to freely access the building for safety reasons.

Group member Janelle Hammond said being locked out was frustrating.

“We can’t get in; they’ve locked us out,” she said.

“We were allowed to get some stuff out but we need the council to come out every time to let us in. We need our property, they cannot keep it.”

Mr Trevaskis said the City was working with Playlovers to facilitate access to the hall to retrieve their belongings.

“The City will continue to allow Playlovers restricted access at their own risk for removal of urgently needed property,” he said.

“Access is to be kept to a minimum. Access by the general community, contractors or any other unauthorised persons is not permitted. All access must be approved and overseen by the City.”

He said the roof, wall framing and stormwater system were dilapidated and could cause “catastrophic” damage if it collapsed on someone.

A decision had not yet been made on the future of the hall.