THIS week is set to herald the final chapter for the Wangaratta Memorial Town Hall.

Demolition of the 1963 building began with internal works late last month, and the site is expected to be reduced to a pile of rubble by Friday.

The work being carried out by building contractors Hansen Yuncken will pave the way for a new $7.6 million performing arts centre.

Construction of the new facility is scheduled to start at the end of June.

It will comprise a new hall and a 530-seat theatre, as well as a smaller flexible performance space or conference room, large foyer, catering areas and commercial-standard café space with an exterior deck.

The town hall was built on the site of the former municipal offices and opened by the Governor Sir Rohan Delacombe, on July 7, 1963 - the day Wangaratta celebrated 100 years of local government.

It incorporates the Playhouse Theatre and was built as a memorial to those who served their country in the two world wars.