Members of the community are invited to attend the opening of the multi-purpose hall at 10.30am tomorrow where they will be given the opportunity to tour the new building at the completion of the ceremony.

The $6.2 million dollar project has been a couple of years in the making but was officially completed in February this year, just under 12 months since construction began in March 2014.

The project included a complete revamp and refurbishment of the old gymnasium to create the multi-purpose hall, which includes a performing arts facility at the rear.

“It’s a great space inside, the area is decked out with all the latest technology,” deputy principal Stephen Dwyer said.

The new building features a brand-new gym, a stage which can be closed during sporting games, classrooms extending from the stage, new change rooms for performances and PE classes, new toilet facilities which will cater for functions, and a new canteen. It is also fitted out for complete disabled access.

The performing arts facility features two music rooms, a drama room, a recording studio, keyboard lab, four practice rooms and a creative arts staffroom for music, drama and visual art staff. The new facilities bring all of the performing arts together in one area with the new music and drama classrooms located close to the art rooms.

All rooms can be blocked off and are soundproofed; with four set aside for individual music practice and tutoring with teachers from the Mitchell Conservatorium throughout the week.

The drama room features thick black curtains which can be drawn around the whole room, completely blocking out all light and an internal set of curtains which can create a performance space inside the room, allowing an audience to be seated while the curtain is drawn across the “stage”. There is also an impressive lighting system in that room to enhance performances.

The main stage area is fitted out with all the latest sound and lighting technology and there are soundproof doors that go across the stage, allowing the back of it to be used for dance electives, as well as for performances.

“We can have something happening in the gymnasium, while students participate in dance classes and there’s a music lesson going on, all at the same time - that’s why it’s called a multi-purpose hall,” Mr Dwyer said.

“It’s a wonderful facility which will enhance our school and provide a re-enhanced learning space to improve the outcomes of students.”

Mr Dwyer said there was a real need for an updated performing arts area, as well as an upgraded gym.

“The buildings were at a stage that they needed to be updated,” he said.

Red Bend received $2.83 million in funding from the Australian federal government through the Catholic Education Commission Block Grants Authority to go towards the development of the multi-purpose hall.

Teachers, staff and students are all thrilled with the new building and have been using it since the end of last term.