The council's operations director Matt O'Rourke said about 80 per cent of the 210 external pre-cast panels had been installed for the complex's auditorium. The panels, manufactured in Albury, have been lifted into place by a giant onsite crane.

"Before Christmas we'd expect the walls around the perimeter of the auditorium to be installed and for it to really take shape," Mr O'Rourke said.

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Mayor Bob Kirk said the sides of the panels detailed the shape and height of the demolished rear section, "ensuring we remember the heritage that once stood there."

It's just one aspect of the $18.9 million, 400-seat arts venue now one year into construction. The project is adapting and adding to the McDermott Centre in Auburn Street, formerly Goulburn's town hall.

A council spokesman said while the project had faced some challenges, including wet weather and difficulties with piling holes for the foundations, it was now making gains.

Mr O'Rourke said panels would soon be installed for the lift shaft and concreting on which to place seating was was underway.

Structural steel was also being delivered to the site.

Builders, Zauner Constructions, will take a two-week break over Christmas.

"Our immediate target after that is to get the roof on by the end of January and desirably, to get rid of the crane by the end of February," Mr O'Rourke said.

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Attention has also turned to the front section, completed in 1887 to an EC Manfred design. Mr O'Rourke said this could present some challenges, as was common in working with old buildings.

Internal walls will be demolished and service ducts installed, along with a sprinkler system.

In a report to last month's meeting, Mr O'Rourke said this work would require "thorough investigation" given the structure's heritage.

Planning and design review for next year's internal fit-out is underway. It will include a foyer, cafe/bar and office space in the renovated front section.

The council said a performing arts centre manager would start in January, 2021 in order to begin the planning and programming for the theatre launch at year's end.

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A theatrical event is being planned for the opening. In recent months, members of Goulburn's creative arts fraternity have participated in short videos to build momentum for the opening. An opening night committee has been formed.

The $18,950,000 budget for the facility includes $16,534,343 for construction and $2,415,657 in council costs. The latter incorporates an $800,000 contingency.

It is being funded by three levels of government, $2.5m from the Veolia Mulwaree Trust and $6.3m in council loan funding, tapping into a 2.5pc interest rate.

Construction is expected to be finished by early October, 2021.

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