Banquet Hall closed after 'building failure incident'

Albury Entertainment Centre after this week’s ‘building failure incident’. Photo: AlburyCity.

Albury Council staff have been busy with a big cleanup in the city’s Entertainment Centre after part of the ceiling in the Banquet Hall collapsed on Wednesday afternoon.

A dramatic photo was issued by the council showing the extent of the damage and the floor littered with gyprock and insulation batts.

Albury Council released a statement in response to the “building failure incident” explaining that part of the suspended ceiling in the Banquet Hall collapsed and fell to the floor in the area furthest from the stage.

The Banquet Hall at the Albury Entertainment Centre is a popular space for a wide range of events. Photo: AlburyCity.

Just weeks ago, the hall was packed for the annual Stars of the Border Dance for Cancer fundraiser and Albury City Mayor Kylie King said it was fortunate the hall was vacant when the ceiling came down.

“We are incredibly relieved that no-one was in the hall at the time, and our teams have now secured the site to ensure ongoing safety,” said Mayor King.

“Next steps involve an assessment of the building structure and condition and establishing plans for remediation works.

“Unfortunately, this will lead to some changes to event planning, however our Entertainment Centre team are working with hirers and community groups to minimise disruption where possible.”

For the time being, the Banquet Hall will be closed while the damage is assessed by a structural engineer and until the site is deemed safe.

Other sections of the venue remain open, including the theatre.