Junee Shire Council has called for tenders to complete work at the NSW heritage-listed theatre in the hope the building can be operational as soon as possible.

Council’s development and community services manager Anthony Newland said it had originally hoped to have the tenders in place by the end of last year, however, delays forced the project back.

“We had orginally wanted it at the end of last year, but there were delays in getting it all organised. We felt it best not to rush it,” he said.

If all goes well, he said work at the Athenium could begin as early as March, but it was dependent on the tender outcomes.

“It will depend on the prices, if they are within the overall budget and the contigency for unknowns (unforeseen work),” Mr Newland said.

The work will involve minor demolition work, electrical work, construction of toilet facilities, painting the buildings interior, repair to ceiling panels and the provision of a fire safety schedules.

While the work will not be a complete upgrade of the facility, Mr Newland said it would get the doors to the theatre open.

It will be funded by grants obtained from the NSW Hertitage Office, the Ministry for Arts and Junee Shire Council.

Council will host an information night at the council chambers on Thursday, January 28 at 6.30pm, which is open to builders and the general public.

Project architect Ashley Dunn from Workshop 1 Dunn + Hillam Architects will be on hand to answer any questions.

Tenders close on Wednesday, February 10, and will be reported to council’s Feburary meeting.

Copies of the tender documents are available at Junee Shire Council chambers for $22 or can be downloaded from the Tenderlink website at www.tenderlink.com/Junee