Repurposed in 1996 by Deakin University, the historic 1872 Dalgety & Co. Woolstore now stands as a vibrant 1,400-seat cultural hub. The venue is used for large-scale concerts, conferences, meetings, lectures and graduations by Deakin University. Geelong Arts Centre also utilises the space for performances, events, and community hire.
After 24 years of continuous use, the Hall was refurbished in late 2020. NDYLIGHT was engaged to undertake a complete LED refit of all refurbished spaces, in collaboration with architects Williams Ross. Maintaining the original charm, the architects approached the interiors sympathetically, retaining the building’s iconic stained-glass windows and exposed timber structure. The new furniture and finishes injected a modern feel into the auditorium’s aesthetic. The back of house was also extensively redeveloped with versatile rehearsal spaces, dressing rooms, amenities for both performers and visitors.
Beyond its primary function as a performance space, Costa Hall also serves as an exam overflow facility. The dress circle is equipped with multiple lighting systems catering to both performance and exam needs. The venue now features a fully dimmable house lighting rig for performances and a functional system ensuring high uniformity during exams. The hall is also used for Deakin University’s graduation ceremonies.
The refurbishment included the complete replacement of the outdated lighting control system with new, interfacing stage lighting system, and DALI distribution to all new luminaires.
As the largest performing arts venue outside Melbourne in Victoria, Costa Hall has become one of the busiest venues in Geelong. Its versatility is evident in its busy schedule, hosting everything from concerts to conferences and award ceremonies.
