$1.3 million upgrade for Centennial Park's outdoor amphitheatre

Sydney's much loved Belvedere Amphitheatre, located in Centennial Park, has undergone a $1.3 million transformation, which includes new disability access paths, lighting, drainage, over 6,500 metres2 of new turf and the addition of sandstone terraces.

Constructed in circa 1987 as part of a broader suite of works to commemorate the 1988 Australian Bicentennial celebrations, the popular outdoor venue is used to stage open air events such as acoustic concerts, recitals, plays and the popular Moonlight Cinema, which is currently underway in the Park. It is also enjoyed by dog walkers, picnickers and other park visitors.

Commenting on the improvements, Centennial Parklands Director and Chief Executive of Centennial Parklands Kim Ellis stated "this upgrade to Belvedere Amphitheatre was only possible with the combined funding and partnership of the NSW Government and Amalgamated Holdings Limited (operators of the Moonlight Cinema).

"Their financial support has allowed us to rectify drainage and irrigation issues at the site, improve visitor safety at night with new lighting and much-needed disability access paths that lead to a viewing platform so that people with disabilities are able to utilise the space and enjoy the view."

A popular new feature of the amphitheatre is the newly formed sandstone terraces. Major earthworks were carried out on the existing smaller terraces to create wider and deeper viewing platforms for visitors to see and experience the outdoor films and events.

To complete the curves of the terraces, 125 tonnes of sandstone was brought in from Gosford Quarries, which can now be seen from the base of Federation Valley aligning all the sites features from the high point where the amphitheatre is positioned.

http://www.centennialparklands.com.au/home/parklands_projects/belvedere_amphitheatre_upgrade