Registration of Interest - Lismore City Hall

Call for Registrations of Interest: Lismore City Hall

Lismore City Council invites Registrations of Interest (ROI) from arts and cultural groups, businesses, education providers, venue managers, event organisers and other interested parties to help shape the future fit‑out, use and operational model of City Hall – Lismore’s premium flood‑resilient cultural, community and events venue.

City Hall is currently undergoing upgrades to improve accessibility, functionality and flood resilience, creating a flexible venue capable of hosting a wide range of cultural, community, business and entertainment activities.

This ROI is an information‑gathering process only and will help Council better understand the types of uses, activities and operational requirements that may be supported at City Hall. Participation in this process does not constitute a booking process, procurement process or allocation of venue access.

REGISTRATIONS OF INTEREST HAVE NOW CLOSED

Timeline

• ROI opens: 17 March 2026
• ROI closes: 7 April 2026 - 4:00pm (Late submissions may not be considered.)

Background

Location: 1 Bounty St, Lismore NSW 2480.

Originally constructed in the 1960s and modernised in 2013, the venue is currently undergoing further upgrades including internal layout improvements, enhanced accessibility and more flood‑resilient finishes.

Once reopened, City Hall will provide a flexible venue capable of hosting:

• Performances and live entertainment
• Exhibitions and cultural programming
• Conferences and functions
• Community events and gatherings
• Education, workshops and rehearsals

The venue provides full disability access throughout all public areas.

Purpose of this Registration of Interest

Council is seeking input from potential venue users, operators and partners to better understand:

• Demand for the various spaces within City Hall
• The types of events, activities and programs that may be delivered
• Operational and technical requirements that may influence the final venue fit‑out
• Market expectations regarding venue hire, leasing or partnership arrangements

Information gathered through this process will assist Council to:

• Inform final fit‑out and design decisions
• Understand community and industry demand for the venue
• Explore potential operating models and activation opportunities
• Assess the potential for leasing arrangements or operational partnerships
• Support development of a commercial and operational business case

This process does not involve evaluation, ranking or selection of respondents.

Spaces Available

Respondents may register interest in one or more of the following areas:

Indicative only - Council will update specifications following ROI feedback.1

1. Auditorium

• Size: 400m2

Capacity:

• Standing: 750
• Theatre style: 500
• Banquet: 300
• Floor type: Carpet

2. VIP Room

• A dedicated VIP room accommodating approximately 50 guests, with elevator access and an elevated view into the auditorium. Supports pre‑show experiences, small receptions or private event functions.

3. Multipurpose Room 1 – Fountain Room

• Size: 91m2
• Floor type: Polished concrete
• Capacity: 77

4. Multipurpose Room 2 – The Studio

• Size: 275m2
• Floor type: Polished concrete
• Capacity: 225

5. Kitchen / Servery / Bar (Optional Interest)

• Kitchen and bar facilities may support events held within City Hall.
• The final level of kitchen infrastructure will be informed by operational requirements and design feasibility.

6. Forecourt

• A flexible event space which could be used for food vans, market stalls, an event spill-out area etc.

How Council Will Use This Information

Responses will be used to:

• Inform final design and fit‑out decisions
• Understand community and industry needs
• Shape potential operational and programming models
• Identify opportunities for venue activation and partnerships
• Support development of a business case and operational strategy

Council may contact respondents to clarify information or to invite further engagement.

Submission of a Registration of Interest does not create any commitment or guarantee of future access to the venue.