Adelaide Festival Centre to receive $35 million upgrade to improve access and safety systems

Adelaide Festival Centre is to receive an extensive $35 million upgrade, beginning in 2025, which is designed to improve the access to the centre as well as its fire and safety systems.

The significant investment is being funded through the South Australian Government’s mid-year budget review with the state government advising they are “proud to follow in the footsteps of Labor legends Gough Whitlam and Don Dunstan – who opened Adelaide Festival Centre in July 1973.”

The upgrades will be to the Western Plaza, focused around the area between the Festival Theatre and Dunstan Playhouse.

As the main gateway in and out of the site to the north, the new design - which has been reviewed by the State Heritage Architect and received planning approval - allows for access to the Dunstan Playhouse and Space theatre from the Northern Promenade and Walk of Fame.

Lift access will soon be provided from the Northern Promenade directly up to the Plaza level, enabling patrons and visitors an easy way to enter Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre.

This will make it easier for families with strollers and mobility aid users with the new lift near the Dunstan Playhouse bridging the five-metre vertical drop between the Plaza and north-face level - a big improvement on the old switch-back ramps.

In addition, an extensive series of works will be carried out on the fire and safety systems, including smoke detection and occupant warning system upgrades, emergency lighting replacement and improvement and sprinkler-system upgrades.

Adelaide Festival Centre Chief Executive and Artistic Director Douglas Gautier shared “we are pleased with this announcement, which follows Adelaide Festival Centre’s 50th Anniversary celebrations last year.

“We look forward to seeing the benefits this investment will have for Adelaide Festival Centre, as the pre-eminent arts venue in Adelaide, and for our audiences and artists.