Canberra Theatre Centre Transformation
Key stats
Funding:
Over $28 million for detailed design and community consultation.
Project status
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Community Engagement
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Under Construction
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Expected Project Completion
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The Canberra Theatre Centre transformation will create a performing arts centre of national and international significance in the heart of Canberra.
The ACT Government is planning for a revitalised Canberra Theatre Centre which will attract the world-renowned musicals, circus shows, ballet and opera people travel to see. It will boost the local economy by attracting more visitors to Canberra and creating more jobs in the arts, hospitality and construction. Our city centre will be enhanced as a lively destination for entertainment and dining - day and night.
Project features
The transformed Canberra Theatre Centre will include:
- a new 2,000 seat lyric theatre (suitable for musicals, opera and ballet)
- a refurbishment of The Playhouse and Canberra Theatre
- expanding the studio theatre for flexible use by local artists for intimate shows
- improved accessibility and connections to the precinct
- improved hospitality offerings.
Location
The new 2,000 seat lyric theatre is planned for the northern side of The Playhouse.
Canberra Theatre Centre will be the heart of the planned Canberra Civic and Cultural District (the District). The District will be located east of city hill and surrounded by London Circuit, Constitution Avenue, Northbourne Avenue and Vernon Circle.
More information on the City Renewal Authority’s work to create a district which will guide the revitalisation of the area for a vibrant arts and cultural scene is available on the District’s web page.
Project vision and benefits
The project’s vision is to build a globally recognised theatre centre, that supports the ACT Government’s ambition for Canberra to be recognised as the arts capital of Australia.
Project objectives:
- Performance: Provides a high-standard, modern experience for performers and audiences alike.
- Excellence: Improves design excellence, functionality, program and budget success.
- Tourism: Draws domestic and international visitors to Canberra. To see performances of all sizes, including the largest national shows.
- Urban design: Exhibits architectural and theatre design excellence, to develop a surrounding Canberra civic and cultural district.
This once in a generation project offers benefits for the whole community:
- First Nations Connection to Country are celebrated and acknowledged through design
- Canberra can enjoy world-renowned musicals, circus shows, ballet and opera without the need for expensive interstate travel
- A world-class theatre and cultural precinct for Canberra
- Growth of the local economy by attracting more visitors to Canberra
- Enhanced city centre as a lively destination for dining and entertainment - day and night
- More jobs in the arts, hospitality and construction
- A safe and welcoming place for everyone
- A sustainable, green star all electric design
- More opportunities, networks and audiences for Canberra’s performing arts sector
- Career pathways for emerging creatives and technicians, keeping more arts workers in Canberra
- A place future generations look on with pride for their city as the arts capital of Australia.